From Child Prodigy To Horror Star: Where Are The Matilda Film Actresses Now In 2025?

The story of Matilda Wormwood, the brilliant and telekinetic child prodigy created by Roald Dahl, has captivated generations, but the lives of the actresses who brought her to the screen have taken two radically different—and equally fascinating—paths. As of December 2025, the two main stars who played the title character, Mara Wilson from the beloved 1996 film and Alisha Weir from the 2022 Netflix musical adaptation, are both experiencing major career pivots, with one becoming a celebrated writer and the other transforming into a rising horror movie star.

This deep dive reveals the latest, most current updates on the two Matildas and the other iconic actresses from the films, detailing their surprising new projects, directorial debuts, and the shocking life transformations that have occurred since they escaped the tyrannical clutches of Miss Trunchbull and the neglect of the Wormwood family.

The Two Matildas: A Tale of Two Careers in 2025

The two actresses who portrayed Matilda Wormwood, Mara Wilson and Alisha Weir, represent a fascinating study in post-child-star careers. One chose a life away from the camera's glare, while the other is currently embracing the spotlight in a completely unexpected genre.

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Mara Wilson (Matilda Wormwood, 1996): From Child Star to Celebrated Writer and Voice Actor

Mara Wilson, who starred in the 1996 film directed by Danny DeVito, stepped away from major film roles shortly after the movie’s release, a decision she has openly discussed in her later career. Her life in 2025 is focused primarily on writing, voice acting, and theater, successfully navigating the challenging transition away from Hollywood’s intense scrutiny.

• Full Name: Mara Elizabeth Wilson
• Date of Birth: July 24, 1987
• Age in 2025: 38
• Birthplace: Burbank, California, U.S.
• Notable Roles (Childhood): Natalie Hillard in *Mrs. Doubtfire* (1993), Susan Walker in *Miracle on 34th Street* (1994), and Matilda Wormwood in *Matilda* (1996)
• Current Career Focus: Writer, Playwright, Voice Actress, and Podcaster.
• Key Projects: Author of the memoir *Where Am I Now?* (2016). Her writing has been featured in major publications like the *New York Times* and *Elle*.
• Recent Voice Acting: She has lent her voice to popular animated series, including *BoJack Horseman* and *Welcome to Night Vale*, showcasing her continued presence in the entertainment industry without the pressures of on-screen acting.

Wilson’s memoir, *Where Am I Now?*, details her experience as a child star and the reasons for her retirement from film acting, offering a candid look at the industry. Her current work as a playwright and writer has cemented her reputation as a thoughtful, articulate voice, far removed from the pressures of her childhood fame. She is a frequent guest on various podcasts, where she discusses everything from mental health to her love of storytelling.

Alisha Weir (Matilda Wormwood, 2022): The New Horror Scream Queen

Alisha Weir, the Irish actress who starred as the titular character in *Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical* (2022), is currently on a rapid ascent in Hollywood, having immediately pivoted from a musical role to a starring role in the horror genre. Her career in 2025 is marked by major, high-profile projects that confirm her status as one of the industry's most exciting young talents.

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• Full Name: Alisha Weir
• Date of Birth: September 26, 2009
• Age in 2025: 16
• Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland
• Notable Role: Matilda Wormwood in *Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical* (2022)
• Current Career Focus: Film Actress (Horror/Thriller)
• Key Projects: Starred as the young vampire Abigail in the critically acclaimed horror film *Abigail* (2024), a major box office success.
• Upcoming 2025 Project: Weir is set to star in an untitled Universal monster movie from the directing duo Radio Silence (known for the *Scream* franchise), further solidifying her new direction in horror cinema.
• Industry Recognition: Her talents were recognized by her inclusion in the prestigious 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe Entertainment list.

Weir’s transition from the heartwarming musical theater world of Crunchem Hall to the blood-soaked sets of a Universal monster movie is one of the most surprising career moves of 2025. This strategic pivot highlights her versatility and her commitment to challenging roles, moving beyond the shadow of the beloved child prodigy.

The Unforgettable Adults: Miss Honey and Miss Trunchbull

The magic of the *Matilda* films is incomplete without the iconic adult figures, particularly the gentle Miss Honey and the terrifying Miss Trunchbull. The actresses who played these roles in the 1996 classic have also seen significant and fresh developments in their careers, with major updates occurring in 2025.

Embeth Davidtz (Miss Honey, 1996): The Director’s Debut

Embeth Davidtz, who played the kind-hearted and nurturing Miss Jennifer Honey, has had a long and successful career in film and television, with roles in major productions like *Schindler’s List* and *Mad Men*. However, her most significant career news in 2025 is her move behind the camera.

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• Directorial Debut: Davidtz has made her debut as a writer and director with the film *Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight*.
• Film’s Significance: The movie is a deeply personal project, inspired by a story from her own life and a reckoning with her South African past.
• Current Status: As of 2025, she is actively promoting and discussing this new chapter in her career, marking a major professional evolution from her beloved role as Matilda’s savior.

This shift from acting to directing demonstrates Davidtz’s desire for new creative challenges, proving that even a star known for emotionally resonant performances is ready to take the reins of storytelling.

Pam Ferris (Miss Trunchbull, 1996): A Life of Consistent Character Roles

Pam Ferris’s portrayal of the monstrous Agatha Trunchbull, the headmistress of Crunchem Hall Primary School, remains one of the most memorable villains in children's cinema. While she has not had a major film release in the same vein as her co-stars in 2025, her career has been marked by consistent, high-quality character work in British television and film.

• Key Roles: Following *Matilda*, Ferris has been a staple in popular British media, including playing Aunt Marge in *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban* and Sister Evangelina in the long-running series *Call the Midwife*.
• Career Trajectory: Unlike Mara Wilson, Ferris continued a steady acting career, specializing in powerful, often formidable character roles, proving the lasting power of her on-screen presence.

The Lasting Legacy of Roald Dahl's Vision

The enduring popularity of the *Matilda* films, whether the 1996 classic or the 2022 musical, is a testament to the timeless genius of Roald Dahl’s original book. The central themes—the power of imagination, the importance of literacy, and the fight against injustice—continue to resonate deeply with modern audiences.

The careers of the actresses involved, from Mara Wilson’s quiet, successful pivot to writing and voice work, to Alisha Weir’s explosive entry into the horror movie landscape, demonstrate the diverse and often unpredictable paths of former child stars. Their stories, much like Matilda’s own, are about finding strength and success in unexpected places, proving that the magic of the child prodigy lives on in their adult lives. With Embeth Davidtz’s directorial debut, the legacy of the 1996 film continues to inspire new creative endeavors in 2025 and beyond.