Netflix have announced the cast of their upcoming adaptation of the Matilda Musical – and a young Irish actress has landed the leading role!
11-year-old Alisha Weir from Dublin has been cast as Matilda, in her first major acting role. Weir’s acting teacher, Johnny Ward, took to Twitter to celebrate the announcement.
MASSIVE NEWS !!!!!!!!
Absolutely over the moon to finally announce that my Drama Student
Alisha Weir has landed the title role of "Matilda" in the Roald Dahl Netflix production of Matilda!!!!
So So proud ! Massive congratulations to @MVWTalentAgency pic.twitter.com/Ap2ZoHUVCB— Johnny Ward (@JohnnyWard7) January 15, 2021
The Netflix film will be the second film adaptation of the beloved Roald Dahl novel, after the 1996 version starring Mara Wilson and Danny DeVito. This version, however, will be a direct adaptation of the 2010 West End musical based on the novel, with music and lyrics written by comedian and musician Tim Minchin.
Advertisement
💫 *Alisha Weir as Matilda*💫
💫 *Emma Thompson as Miss Trunchbull*💫
💫 *Lashana Lynch as Miss Honey*💫
That's magic. That's MATILDA. Director Matthew Warchus' musical adaptation, coming to Netflix. pic.twitter.com/CcTbItI8TV— NetflixFilm (@NetflixFilm) January 15, 2021
Emma Thompson has been cast in the role of Ms Trunchbull, while Lashana Lynch – star of the eternally-delayed upcoming James Bond film No Time To Die – will fill the role of Miss Honey. The film will be brought to live by director Matthew Warchus – whose wife, Lauren Ward, originated the role of Miss Honey on the musical’s original run.
The casting is a fantastic piece of news for young Irish actors, and we can’t wait to see Weir in the iconic role alongside such a star-studded cast.
