Adapted from Roald Dahl’s classic book, the 1996 film “Matilda” enchanted audiences of all ages with its magical story and captivating characters. Behind the scenes, a series of intriguing facts and fascinating details contributed to the creation of this beloved film. From the challenges faced by the production team to the memorable moments during filming, there is a wealth of interesting information that reveals the care and dedication involved in bringing this cinematic masterpiece to life. In this text, we will explore some of these curiosities that make “Matilda” a true gem of 90s cinema.

1 – BASED ON A BOOK

The film “Matilda” is an adaptation of the book of the same name written by Roald Dahl. This renowned British author gained recognition in the 1940s for his works aimed at both adults and children. Among his most famous titles are “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “The Witches,” “The BFG,” and “James and the Giant Peach,” all of which have been adapted for the screen (with “The Witches” being turned into “The Witches”). Dahl passed away in 1990 at the age of 74, leaving behind a lasting literary legacy that continues to enchant readers and viewers worldwide.

2 – MATILDA’S FATHER

The portrayal of Miss Honey’s father, Magnus, is actually a depiction of Roald Dahl himself. In addition to playing Matilda’s father, Danny DeVito also serves as the director and narrator of the film.

3 – DANNY DEVITO TOOK CARE OF MATILDA IN REAL LIFE

Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman, who portray Matilda’s parents, are married in real life and have three children together. During the making of the film, the couple developed a very close bond with Mara Wilson, who plays Matilda. They would often take her home and care for her, especially when her father was working and her mother was in the hospital receiving cancer treatment.

4 – MATILDA’S REAL-LIFE MOTHER PASSED AWAY DURING FILMING

During the filming of the movie, Mara Wilson’s mother, Suzie Shapiro Wilson, was battling breast cancer, and the film was dedicated to her memory. For a long time, Mara believed that her mother had never watched the completed film. However, later on, Danny DeVito revealed that he had shown her an unfinished version shortly before her passing.

5 – THE OLSEN TWINS ALMOST PLAYED MATILDA

Danny DeVito initially expressed a desire for Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen to portray the role of Matilda, as his children were fans of “Full House,” the series in which the twins starred. Additionally, his wife, Rhea Perlman, had worked with both of them in “Housesitter” (1992). However, the girls were busy filming “It Takes Two” (1995) at the time of auditions for Matilda.

6 – ACTRESS MARA WILSON WAS A FAN OF THE CHARACTER PRIOR TO THE FILM

Since the age of four, Mara Wilson was a huge fan of the book. After the success of “Miracle on 34th Street,” she received several job offers, and she immediately chose “Matilda” as one of the projects she wanted to be a part of.

7 – EVERYONE DANCING TOGETHER

Mara Wilson was so embarrassed to dance for the “Little Bitty Pretty One” sequence that Danny DeVito decided to support her in a unique way. He gathered the entire cast and crew on set and danced with them to encourage her and create a fun and supportive environment.

8 – PRACTICAL EFFECTS

To create the sequence of the chalk writing by itself, the team relied solely on practical effects. They wrote the letters in reverse on the opposite side of the chalkboard and attached a magnet to the chalk. Then, they positioned someone behind the board to write the words backward, using a magnetic device to attract the magnets and simulate the movement of the chalk.

9 – STAYING IN CHARACTER

Pam Ferris, who played Miss Trunchbull, had a habit of staying in character even after the director called “cut.” This was done with the intention of frightening the children on set so that their fear would be genuine during filming. The success of this approach can be observed in the outcome of the scenes.

10 – DIFFERENT ENDING FROM THE BOOK

In the film’s conclusion, it is suggested that Matilda still possesses her powers. However, in the book, she loses them when she is moved to a more advanced class, where she faces greater intellectual challenges. Miss Honey attributes this loss to Matilda finally being happy and focused on challenging herself academically, rather than being neglected by her family and Miss Trunchbull.

The 1996 film “Matilda,” based on Roald Dahl’s book of the same name, enchants not only with its captivating narrative but also with behind-the-scenes trivia that reveals the dedication and creativity of the team behind the cameras. From casting choices to special effects creation, every detail contributes to the magic of the work. Trivia such as Danny DeVito’s commitment to directing and acting in the film, the special attention given to the child actors, and the efforts to create memorable practical effects, such as the scene with the chalk writing by itself, illustrate the commitment to bringing Matilda’s story to life in a unique and unforgettable way. These tidbits add an extra layer of appreciation to the film experience, enriching the journey through the charming world created by Roald Dahl.