In 1996 TriStar pictures released a film based on the novel by Roald Dahl titled, Matilda. This film that was directed by Danny DeVito despite being well received by critics ended up bombing at the box office. Matilda, which centers around a young genius girl that develops psychokinetic abilities and uses them to deal with her sketchy family and her ruthless, oppressive principal, Agatha Trunchbull. But like it happens with a lot of films, despite it’s woes at the box office soon became a fan favorite. But then Matilda the Musical hit London in 2011 and ran on Broadway from 2013 to 2017 and won four Tony Awards.

This success has without a doubt increased the value of the IP as now according to The Hollywood Reporter, Matilda the Musical, is going to be coming to both the big screen and small screens around the world. Sony Pictures and Netflix are working together to bring a film adaptation that will receive a full theatrical run in the U.K. and then will stream on Netflix platforms around the world. It’s currently unknown how the two companies are going to be splitting the cost of the production and at what point in the theatrical release run will the film be released on Netflix.

The reason why it’s getting a U.K. release in theaters according to their source, is the fact that Paddington 2 grossed $59.5 million at the U.K. box office. This is not the first time that Netflix has co-financed films. For example it co-financed New Line’s 2019 disappointment Shaft, which began streaming internationally two weeks after it’s U.S. release. They also co-fianced A24’s Adam Sandler drama Uncut Gems, which is going to start streaming overseas this week. Along with this Netflix has also stated that it would be developing Dahl’s catalog of stories into animated series including Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The BFG.

The film version of Matilda the Musical will be directed by Matthew Warchus who also directed the stage version that won several Laurence Oliver Awards in 2012. He also helmed the 1999 film Simpatico starring Nick Nolte and 2014’s Pride starring Bill Nighy. Dennis Kelly, winner of a Tony for best book for adapting the novel will write the screenplay.

Have you seen Matilda the Musical? Would you be interested in seeing the film version of this? Let us know in the comments section below!

ALSO SEE: GREAT SCOTT! CHRISTOPHER LLOYD GIVES HIS COUNTERPART SOME HELP IN PROMO FOR BACK TO THE FUTURE MUSICAL

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Source: The Hollywood Reporter