The Two Matildas: Where Are The Film Actresses Now In 2024/2025?

The iconic character of Matilda Wormwood has been brought to life by two extraordinary actresses on the big screen, each defining a generation's view of Roald Dahl's magical child genius. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the careers of the original star, Mara Wilson, and the musical film's lead, Alisha Weir, have taken wildly different yet equally fascinating paths, with one embracing a new role as a celebrated writer and the other transforming into a bloodthirsty vampire for a major horror film. This deep dive explores the current projects and latest news for both Matildas and the unforgettable supporting casts from the 1996 classic and the 2022 musical adaptation. The journey of the two main actresses, Mara Wilson and Alisha Weir, perfectly encapsulates the shift in Hollywood, moving from a focus on child stardom to embracing diverse roles in writing, voice work, and even the horror genre. Their stories, alongside the ongoing success of their co-stars, prove that the magic of *Matilda* continues to inspire decades later.

Matilda Wormwood: Biography and Current Projects of Mara Wilson and Alisha Weir

The role of Matilda Wormwood is one of cinema's most beloved, a character defined by her intelligence, resilience, and telekinetic powers. Two actresses have shouldered this legacy, and their current professional lives couldn't be more distinct.

Mara Wilson (Matilda, 1996)

• Full Name: Mara Elizabeth Wilson
• Born: July 24, 1987 (Age 37 as of late 2024)
• Birthplace: Burbank, California, U.S.
• Known For: *Mrs. Doubtfire* (1993), *Miracle on 34th Street* (1994), *Matilda* (1996)
• Current Career Focus: Writer, Playwright, Storyteller, Voice Actress, and Award-Winning Narrator.
• Major Works: Memoir *Where Am I Now? True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame* (2016), *Good Girls Don't* (2024, exclusive Substack book).

Mara Wilson famously retired from screen acting after her childhood career, citing the pressures of fame and the death of her mother during the filming of *Matilda*. Her career pivot has been successful and intentional. Today, Wilson is primarily a respected writer and essayist, focusing on personal storytelling and cultural commentary.

Her most recent writing work includes her Substack newsletter, 'Shan't We Tell the Vicar?' and the release of her short memoir, *Good Girls Don't*, exclusively on the platform in 2024. While she rarely appears in live-action film or television, she has embraced voice acting, with notable roles in animated series like *BoJack Horseman* and podcasts like *Welcome to Night Vale*. She also makes appearances at fan conventions and storytelling events, such as the JoCo Cruise in 2024, where she connects with audiences on her experiences as a former child star.

Alisha Weir (Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical, 2022)

• Full Name: Alisha Weir
• Born: September 26, 2009 (Age 15 as of late 2024)
• Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland
• Known For: *Matilda the Musical* (2022), *Don't Leave Home* (2018)
• Current Career Focus: Film Actress (Transitioning from musical/family film to horror/thriller genres).
• Major Works: *Abigail* (2024), *Wicked Little Letters* (2024).

Alisha Weir, who dazzled audiences with her powerhouse performance and singing in the 2022 Netflix adaptation, has quickly established herself as a rising star in Hollywood. Her career has taken a sharp turn into the horror genre, showcasing her versatility.

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Her biggest project in 2024 is the Universal Monsters horror film *Abigail*, where she stars in the title role. Weir plays a young ballerina who is kidnapped for ransom, only for her captors to discover she is actually a bloodthirsty child vampire. This demanding role, which required her to portray both a sweet, innocent girl and a ferocious monster, is a significant departure from the whimsical world of *Matilda*. Additionally, Weir appeared in the British period comedy *Wicked Little Letters*, which was released in theaters in early 2024.

The Adults of Crunchem Hall: Updates on the 1996 Cast

The original *Matilda* film, directed by Danny DeVito, is remembered for its darkly comedic portrayal of the Wormwood family and the terrifying Miss Trunchbull. The principal cast members remain active in film and television.

Danny DeVito (Harry Wormwood/Narrator)

Director, co-producer, and star Danny DeVito, who played the crooked car salesman and Matilda's father, Harry Wormwood, continues his prolific career. In 2024, DeVito starred in the comedy film *Poolman*. Looking ahead to 2025, he is set to appear in the upcoming film *A Sudden Case of Christmas*. Perhaps the most exciting news for fans is his confirmed work on a new, original project with his *Twins* co-star, Arnold Schwarzenegger, which he announced in early 2024.

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Rhea Perlman (Zinnia Wormwood)

Rhea Perlman, who played the neglectful and TV-obsessed mother Zinnia Wormwood, has seen a resurgence in her television career. In a fresh update for 2025, Perlman had a guest role in the second season of the critically acclaimed crime mystery series *Poker Face*, starring Natasha Lyonne. She also continues to be active in various acting projects and has lent her voice to public service announcements, such as the 'Lights On Afterschool' message.

Pam Ferris (Miss Agatha Trunchbull)

The actress behind the monstrous headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, Pam Ferris, has focused on less visible but equally impactful projects. While her major screen roles have been less frequent, in 2024 she contributed her voice to a new autobiographical audio play. Furthermore, Ferris has used her recognizable voice to highlight important causes, lending it to a new animation from Alzheimer's Research UK to raise awareness about dementia.

The Newt and Newt: Current Projects of the 2022 Musical Cast

The 2022 film, *Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical*, brought the beloved stage show to the screen with a fresh, star-studded cast, many of whom are dominating the industry today.

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Emma Thompson (Miss Agatha Trunchbull)

Academy Award winner Emma Thompson's transformation into the terrifying Miss Trunchbull was a masterclass in acting. Thompson has a busy slate of projects for 2025. She is set to star in the action thriller *The Fisherwoman*, where she will play the title role and also serve as an executive producer. She is also confirmed to star in the film *Dead of Winter*, an action thriller set in a remote part of Minnesota, which is also slated for a 2025 release.

Lashana Lynch (Miss Honey)

Lashana Lynch, who played the kind and loving Miss Honey, has a high-profile television role in 2024. Known for her roles in the James Bond film *No Time to Die* and Marvel's *Captain Marvel*, Lynch is starring alongside Eddie Redmayne in the new series *The Day of the Jackal*. This series is a modern reimagining of the classic thriller, further cementing Lynch's status as a leading actress in major action and drama projects.

The Enduring Legacy of Roald Dahl's Matilda

The continued success and current projects of the *Matilda* film actresses and their co-stars underscore the story's timeless appeal. From Mara Wilson's thoughtful transition to a prominent writer and voice actor, to Alisha Weir's bold leap into the horror genre with *Abigail*, both stars have proven to be as adaptable and resourceful as the literary character they portrayed.

The film's topical authority remains strong, not just through the main actresses, but also through the ongoing work of veteran entities like Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, and Pam Ferris, as well as the contemporary relevance of stars like Emma Thompson and Lashana Lynch. Whether you prefer the 1996 classic or the 2022 musical, the talented people who brought the story to life are making major waves in Hollywood and beyond in 2024 and 2025.