Will Matilda the Musical be released on Netflix?

However, because the movie was given a full theatrical release in the UK by Sony’s TriStar Pictures banner, it will not arrive on Netflix UK for some time.

Responding to backlash over the delay in the UK, Minchin recently tweeted: "I’ve got a lot of messages from people in the UK who are *sad emoji* and or *angry emoji* that Matilda is not on Netflix until the summer. A bullet point response: 1. I’m sorry. 2. It wasn’t up to me. 3. As filmmakers, we would prefer audiences to see the film in a cinema.

"The large format and excellent sound do justice to the incredible detail of the work. I know not everyone can afford it, but if you can, and you’re a fan of the musical, I do think being in the UK – the only place in the world where it got a proper cinema release is a good thing.

"You will get to see it on Netflix, too, in a few months. 4. There is a commercial reason why it has worked out this way, involving the fact that the film was funded by Sony and Netflix.

He continued: "Sony isn’t a streamer, and therefore retained the rights to release the movie in the UK in the traditional manner. It might be disappointing (and a bit baffling), but it makes sense, and is one of the reasons the film is so good. Xx."

So, when exactly can we expect Matilda the Musical to land on Netflix in the UK? Read on to find out when the film arrives.

When is Matilda musical movie coming to Netflix?

Matilda the Musical has already danced its way into cinemas in the UK and Ireland.

However, fans outside the UK who are desperate to watch the movie from the comfort of their own home will be pleased to learn that Netflix is distributing the movie across its streaming service around the world on 25th December 2022.

However, it won't be released on the same day on Netflix in the UK and Ireland. For now, the only way you'll be able to watch it in these territories is in cinemas.

Although we don't have a specific UK Netflix release date, Sony has confirmed that Matilda will arrive on the streamer in summer 2023.

Who stars in Matilda musical movie?

Newcomer Alisha Weir will take on the iconic titular character with a very strong supporting cast that’s comprised of the very best of British acting talent.

Alongside Weir, Emma Thompson, who has two Academy Awards to her name, is set to star as the wickedly villainous Miss Trunchbull. Thompson is best known for her appearances in the Harry Potter series and also for her acclaimed work in films such as Howard’s End, The Remains of the Day, In the Name of the Father and Sense and Sensibility.

Speaking recently about her part, Thompson told The Guardian that work aimed at children is “sacred”.

“I read all the time. I was bullied at school, and the books that really spoke to me were the ones where there was real darkness,” Thompson said. “You don’t want to sugarcoat it, but it can’t be too real. It’s got to be frightening, but you’ve got to be able to contain it and get thrilled by it.

“But children see everything. When we’re little, we can feel and see everything, and we know that there’s darkness out there and often we experience it when we’re little. I think making work for children is the most sacred work we ever have, and it has to be our best work, it has to be so good because they need to get the best of us as artists. Then they’ll take that as they grow older.”

Lashana Lynch, one of the fastest rising stars in Hollywood who can be seen in Captain Marvel and the upcoming James Bond movie No Time to Die is down to play Miss Honey, Matilda’s kindly teacher.

Matilda’s parents, Mr and Mrs Wormwood will be played by Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough respectively. Graham, one of the UK’s most versatile actors, can be seen in films such as This is England, The Irishman and Gangs of New York. His TV work includes starring as Al Capone in Boardwalk Empire, a stint on Line of Duty and he can currently be seen alongside Sean Bean in BBC One drama Time.

Riseborough, who received a BAFTA nomination for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in The Long Walk to Finchley, has appeared in a vast array of acclaimed movies such as The Death of Stalin, Nocturnal Animals and Birdman.

Rounding out the all-star cast is comedian Sindhu Vee as the librarian, Mrs Phelps. Vee can currently be seen in the acclaimed BBC comedy Starstruck alongside Rose Matafeo and Minnie Driver. She is well-known for her appearances on panel shows such as Richard Osman’s House of Games and Have I Got News For You.

Matilda movie trailer

As detailed above, the latest trailer highlights the musical aspect of the film. Watch below:

The first trailer landed in June 2022 and gave fans a first look at Dame Emma Thompson’s take on the wicked Miss Trunchbull.

"Matilda Wormwood. Criminals like you need a real lesson," the character tells Matilda as she marches towards her, before we get a preview of Trunchbull’s infamous pigtail swinging scene in the playground.

“See if that child is still alive,” she is heard barking after carrying out the act.

The trailer also gives fans a glimpse of some other classic moments, including Bruce Bogtrotter forcing down a huge chocolate cake and Miss Honey bonding with Matilda at school. Ahh. Watch below:

Is the new Matilda movie based on the musical?

The previous Matilda movie, released in 1996, was an adaptation of the book as the musical did not premiere until 2010.

This upcoming movie, directed by Matthew Warchus, who also directed the West End and Broadway productions of the show, is based on the hit musical. This will be Warchus’ first film since 2014’s historical comedy-drama Pride.

Dennis Kelly, who also wrote the script for the musical, is on screenwriting duties for the film. Best known for his stage and TV work, Kelly’s one previous film credit is for writing the Jude Law thriller Black Sea.

Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical is out now in UK cinemas, and will be released on Netflix in the US on 25th December.

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