The film Matilda cast remains one of the most memorable ensembles in family cinema history. Released in 1996 and based on Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book, Matilda brought to life a story of resilience, intelligence, and kindness. Directed by and starring Danny DeVito, the movie captured the imaginations of audiences worldwide. The cast played a crucial role in balancing humor, darkness, and heartwarming moments, which has made the movie a timeless favorite. From the innocent charm of Mara Wilson as Matilda to the terrifying portrayal of Miss Trunchbull by Pam Ferris, each actor left a lasting impression. Even today, nearly three decades later, fans revisit the movie not just for its story but for the unforgettable performances that defined it. This article explores each main cast member, their contribution to the film, and where they are now.
1. Mara Wilson as Matilda Wormwood: The Child Prodigy
Mara Wilson was perfectly cast as Matilda Wormwood, the gifted little girl with extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers. At just nine years old, Wilson managed to balance innocence with wisdom beyond her years, making her portrayal both heartwarming and inspiring. Her performance as Matilda captured the essence of Roald Dahl’s heroine—a child who overcomes neglect and cruelty with kindness, cleverness, and courage.
Wilson’s expressive eyes and calm yet determined delivery made audiences root for Matilda as she stood up against her selfish parents and the tyrannical headmistress. Beyond the magical powers, Mara Wilson conveyed the loneliness of a child overlooked by her family, which added depth to the role. After Matilda, Wilson starred in other family favorites like Mrs. Doubtfire and Miracle on 34th Street before stepping away from Hollywood. Today, she is an accomplished writer and public speaker, reflecting on her unique childhood in the spotlight. Her role as Matilda remains her most iconic, cementing her place in film history.
2. Danny DeVito as Harry Wormwood: Matilda’s Neglectful Father
Danny DeVito not only directed Matilda but also played Harry Wormwood, Matilda’s shady and selfish father. Known for his comedic timing and eccentric roles, DeVito brought a mix of humor and menace to the character. Harry is a used-car salesman who cares more about money and appearances than his daughter’s wellbeing. His flashy suits, slicked-back hair, and constant scheming made him both hilarious and detestable.
DeVito’s exaggerated mannerisms, from yelling at Matilda to boasting about his dishonest business tactics, highlighted his character’s ignorance and greed. Despite being a deeply flawed father, he provided comic relief that balanced the film’s darker themes. Off-screen, DeVito played an even more significant role by shaping the film’s direction and tone, ensuring it stayed true to Roald Dahl’s spirit while appealing to audiences of all ages.
Danny DeVito’s dual contribution—as actor and director—was instrumental in the film’s success. Today, DeVito remains a beloved Hollywood icon, known for his work in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and numerous films. His portrayal of Harry Wormwood is still remembered as one of the funniest yet most frustrating movie dads in cinema history.
3. Rhea Perlman as Zinnia Wormwood: The Flashy Mother
Rhea Perlman, a celebrated actress, took on the role of Zinnia Wormwood, Matilda’s glamorous but shallow mother. Zinnia is portrayed as materialistic, self-absorbed, and more interested in bingo nights and television than in raising her daughter. With her loud fashion choices, exaggerated makeup, and dismissive attitude, Zinnia added another layer of comic absurdity to the Wormwood household.
Perlman’s performance was over-the-top in the best way, showcasing Zinnia’s vanity and ignorance. She perfectly contrasted with Mara Wilson’s thoughtful and intelligent Matilda, making the mother-daughter dynamic both tragic and comedic. The chemistry between Perlman and her real-life husband, Danny DeVito, who played Harry Wormwood, gave the dysfunctional family a believable edge.
While Zinnia is far from a nurturing parent, Perlman’s comedic brilliance ensured that audiences laughed at her outrageous behavior while sympathizing with Matilda’s struggles. Beyond Matilda, Perlman is best known for her Emmy-winning role as Carla on the sitcom Cheers. Her portrayal of Zinnia Wormwood remains one of her standout movie roles, embodying the neglectful yet oddly entertaining parent.
4. Embeth Davidtz as Miss Honey: Matilda’s Kind Teacher
Embeth Davidtz brought warmth and compassion to her role as Miss Honey, Matilda’s supportive and gentle teacher. Miss Honey is the complete opposite of the Wormwoods—kind, nurturing, and genuinely invested in Matilda’s potential. Davidtz’s soft-spoken delivery and graceful presence made Miss Honey a comforting figure not only for Matilda but also for audiences who longed to see the young girl find a safe haven.
Miss Honey’s backstory, involving her own childhood under the oppressive Miss Trunchbull, added depth to her character. Davidtz portrayed her with a quiet strength, making her more than just a kind teacher—she was a survivor who empathized with Matilda’s pain. The bond between Miss Honey and Matilda became the heart of the film, culminating in a touching resolution where they form a new family together.
Davidtz’s performance was praised for its sincerity and emotional honesty. After Matilda, she continued her career in films like Schindler’s List and Junebug, as well as television roles in Mad Men and Ray Donovan. To fans of Matilda, however, she will always be remembered as the teacher who gave Matilda the love and support she deserved.
5. Pam Ferris as Miss Trunchbull: The Terrifying Headmistress
Pam Ferris delivered a truly unforgettable performance as Miss Agatha Trunchbull, the fearsome headmistress of Crunchem Hall. Towering in presence and personality, Ferris turned Trunchbull into one of the most terrifying villains in children’s cinema. From her strict discipline to her outrageous punishments—like the infamous chokey—Trunchbull was a nightmare come to life.
Ferris’s physicality was key to the role. Her booming voice, aggressive body language, and exaggerated facial expressions made Trunchbull both frightening and darkly funny. One of the most memorable scenes includes her hurling a young girl by her pigtails, a moment that showcased both the absurdity and cruelty of her character.
Despite the fear she evoked, Ferris’s performance was nuanced with comedic timing that prevented the film from becoming too grim. Off-screen, Pam Ferris is a versatile actress with roles ranging from Call the Midwife to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Her portrayal of Miss Trunchbull has become iconic, often cited as one of the greatest children’s movie villains of all time.
6. Supporting Cast Members Who Added Charm to Matilda
While the main cast drove the story, the supporting characters in Matilda added humor, warmth, and depth. Kiami Davael played Lavender, Matilda’s brave and mischievous best friend, who stood out for her loyalty and courage. Brian Levinson as Michael Wormwood, Matilda’s lazy and spoiled brother, provided comic moments that highlighted the family’s dysfunction.
Other memorable supporting roles included Paul Reubens and Tracey Walter as the FBI agents tailing Harry Wormwood. Their bumbling investigation brought additional comedy to the story. Each supporting actor, no matter how small the role, contributed to making the world of Matilda feel rich and dynamic.
The ensemble cast worked together seamlessly, balancing the darker aspects of the story with humor and lightheartedness. This collaboration helped make Matilda a family classic that appeals to audiences across generations.
7. Behind the Scenes: Casting Choices for Matilda
The film Matilda cast came together through a thoughtful casting process that balanced comedy, drama, and fantasy. Director Danny DeVito, who also played Harry Wormwood, had a clear vision for each role. Finding a young actress to embody Matilda was the most critical step, and Mara Wilson was chosen after her breakout success in Mrs. Doubtfire. Her combination of innocence and intelligence made her the perfect fit.
Pam Ferris was cast as Miss Trunchbull due to her ability to command authority while still embracing the over-the-top qualities of the role. Embeth Davidtz’s gentle demeanor was a natural choice for Miss Honey, creating the perfect contrast to Trunchbull’s harshness. Rhea Perlman’s comedic flair and chemistry with DeVito made her ideal for the role of Zinnia Wormwood.
What made the casting particularly successful was how each actor fully embodied Roald Dahl’s characters without making them feel cartoonish. The balance of humor and sincerity allowed audiences to laugh at the Wormwoods’ ridiculousness while still rooting for Matilda’s triumph. The thoughtful casting choices helped transform Matilda from a beloved book into a cinematic classic.
8. How the Cast Brought Roald Dahl’s Characters to Life
One of the greatest strengths of the film Matilda cast was their ability to translate Roald Dahl’s vivid characters onto the screen with authenticity. Dahl’s stories are known for their exaggerated villains, kind-hearted heroes, and whimsical worlds. The cast embraced these qualities while keeping the characters believable and engaging.
Mara Wilson captured Matilda’s intelligence, resilience, and quiet courage, showing children that brains and kindness are powerful tools. Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman leaned into the comic absurdity of the Wormwoods, bringing humor to their selfishness and neglect. Embeth Davidtz gave Miss Honey a heartwarming vulnerability that contrasted perfectly with Pam Ferris’s terrifying performance as Miss Trunchbull.
The chemistry between the cast was also vital. The Wormwoods’ dysfunction felt real because of DeVito and Perlman’s natural rapport, while Wilson’s bond with Davidtz conveyed the warmth of a found family. By striking a balance between comedy and sincerity, the cast captured Dahl’s spirit and delivered performances that continue to resonate with audiences today. Their work remains a masterclass in how to bring beloved literary characters to life.
9. Where Is the Matilda Cast Now?
Nearly three decades later, fans often wonder what happened to the film Matilda cast. Mara Wilson, who played Matilda, stepped away from acting in the early 2000s. She is now a successful author, playwright, and advocate for mental health, sharing her experiences as a child star.
Danny DeVito continues to thrive as an actor, producer, and director, with notable success in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Rhea Perlman has enjoyed a steady career in television and film, while also making headlines for her long marriage (and later separation) from DeVito.
Embeth Davidtz has worked consistently in Hollywood, appearing in Junebug, Mad Men, and Ray Donovan. Pam Ferris remains a respected actress in British television, with standout roles in Call the Midwife and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
Supporting cast members like Kiami Davael (Lavender) and Brian Levinson (Michael Wormwood) pursued different career paths, with some stepping away from acting altogether. Regardless of where they are now, their performances in Matilda left a lasting mark that fans continue to celebrate.
10. The Legacy of the Matilda Film and Its Iconic Performances
The film Matilda cast created more than just a popular children’s movie—they helped shape a cultural touchstone that continues to inspire. The movie’s themes of resilience, intelligence, and kindness resonate with viewers of all ages. Mara Wilson’s performance as Matilda gave children a relatable hero, while Pam Ferris’s Miss Trunchbull remains one of the most iconic villains in family cinema.
The performances have stood the test of time, with Matilda frequently being rewatched by both nostalgic adults and new generations of children. The movie’s enduring popularity has also inspired a stage adaptation, Matilda the Musical, which has further cemented the story’s place in pop culture.
Beyond entertainment, the film’s legacy lies in its message: even the smallest voices can stand up against injustice. The cast brought this theme to life with humor, heart, and authenticity, ensuring the story’s impact lasts well beyond its release. For many, Matilda was more than a film—it was a lesson in courage, kindness, and the power of imagination.
11. Why the Matilda Cast Still Captures Hearts Today
What makes the film Matilda cast so special is their timeless appeal. The performances were not only entertaining but also deeply relatable. Children saw themselves in Matilda—overlooked yet capable of greatness—while adults appreciated the humor in the Wormwoods’ outrageous behavior. Miss Honey’s kindness and Miss Trunchbull’s terrifying presence created emotional highs and lows that continue to resonate with audiences.
Another reason the cast endures is their ability to capture universal themes. Families, teachers, and children worldwide can connect to the struggles and triumphs in Matilda. The cast’s portrayals feel authentic, making the story emotionally powerful even decades later.
In addition, the nostalgia factor plays a huge role. Many who grew up watching Matilda now share it with their children, creating a new generation of fans who fall in love with the same performances. The cast’s ability to connect across time, culture, and age groups is a testament to their talent. They didn’t just act—they created characters that live in the hearts of millions.
12. Conclusion: Why the Matilda Cast Remains Iconic
The film Matilda cast achieved something extraordinary by bringing Roald Dahl’s beloved story to life in a way that still captivates audiences today. From Mara Wilson’s heartfelt performance as Matilda to Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman’s comically neglectful parents, every role added depth and charm to the movie. Pam Ferris’s unforgettable villain and Embeth Davidtz’s nurturing teacher created the perfect balance of fear and hope, making the story unforgettable.
What makes the cast iconic is not just their talent but the way they embodied timeless themes—courage, kindness, and resilience. Their performances continue to inspire new viewers and provide nostalgia for longtime fans. Even decades after its release, Matilda remains a cultural classic, largely because of the chemistry, authenticity, and heart the cast brought to their roles.
In the end, the Matilda cast gave us more than a movie—they gave us a lasting reminder that intelligence and compassion can change the world. That legacy ensures they will never be forgotten.