From Bookworm To Horror Star: 5 Shocking Career Updates On The Actresses Who Played Matilda

Few child characters have captured the public imagination quite like Matilda Wormwood, the brilliant, book-loving girl with a telekinetic secret who first sprang from Roald Dahl’s pages. With two major film adaptations—the beloved 1996 classic directed by Danny DeVito and the vibrant 2022 musical—two different young actresses have taken on the iconic role, leading to endless curiosity about their lives after the credits rolled.

As of December 2025, the career paths of the two 'Matildas' could not be more different: one largely retired from the spotlight to become a successful writer and voice actress, while the other is rapidly ascending Hollywood’s ranks, making a shocking pivot from musical theatre to a high-profile horror film. We’ve gathered the freshest, most current updates on Mara Wilson and Alisha Weir, revealing their surprising post-Crunchem Hall trajectories and the current status of their careers.

The Original Prodigy: Mara Wilson's Biography & Post-Hollywood Life

Mara Wilson, who starred in the 1996 film, is arguably the most famous face associated with the character. She was a prolific child star of the 1990s, also appearing in hits like Mrs. Doubtfire and Miracle on 34th Street. However, her relationship with Hollywood was complicated, leading to a significant career change in adulthood.

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• Full Name: Mara Elizabeth Wilson
• Date of Birth: July 24, 1987
• Nationality: American
• Key Films: Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), Miracle on 34th Street (1994), Matilda (1996), Thomas and the Magic Railroad (2000)
• Current Status: Writer, Voice Actress, and Podcast Host

Mara Wilson’s Pivot to Writing and Voice Acting

Wilson officially quit film acting in 2000 after her appearance in Thomas and the Magic Railroad. The pressure of being a child star and the loss of her mother during the filming of Matilda contributed to her decision to step away from the major studio system.

She transitioned to the stage, which allowed her to continue honing her craft in a different environment, but her main focus has become writing and voice work.

Wilson is now an accomplished author, known for her candid and well-received memoir, Where Am I Now?: True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame. Her writing often explores the complexities of growing up in the public eye and her struggles with mental health.

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In recent years, she has found a comfortable and consistent niche in voice acting. She has lent her distinctive voice to several animated projects, most notably as the voice of The Faceless Old Woman Who Secretly Lives in Your Home on the popular podcast Welcome to Night Vale, and as Liv Amara/Glow Worm in the Disney XD series Big Hero 6: The Series. This career pivot has allowed her to maintain a creative life without the intense scrutiny of her child star days.

The Reality of a '90s Child Star in the Streaming Era

A recent, highly publicized update on Mara Wilson's career shed light on the financial realities of being a former child star in the age of streaming. Despite starring in massive box office hits like Mrs. Doubtfire and Matilda, Wilson revealed that she makes less than $26,000 a year from residuals. This revelation highlighted the ongoing debate regarding fair compensation for actors whose work is constantly streamed, making her a vocal entity in the conversation about actors' rights and the longevity of earnings from classic films.

The New Telekinetic Star: Alisha Weir's Rise to Fame

Alisha Weir, a young Irish actress from Dublin, took on the titular role in the 2022 Netflix adaptation, Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical. Her performance was widely praised for its vocal talent and emotional depth, instantly catapulting her into the international spotlight.

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• Full Name: Alisha Weir
• Date of Birth: September 26, 2009
• Nationality: Irish
• Key Films: Matilda the Musical (2022), Abigail (2024)
• Current Status: Rising Hollywood Star

From Musical Theatre to Murderous Vampire

Weir’s career trajectory is currently on a meteoric rise, demonstrating an impressive versatility for her age. While she was a standout in the musical film alongside Emma Thompson (Miss Trunchbull) and Lashana Lynch (Miss Honey), her next major project is a complete 180-degree turn.

In 2024, Alisha Weir starred in the horror-comedy film Abigail, directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett (the duo behind Scream 2022). In this film, Weir plays the titular character, a young girl who is kidnapped, only for her captors to discover she is actually a murderous, ballet-dancing vampire. This terrifying transformation from the adorable, bookish Matilda to a bloodthirsty horror villain has generated significant buzz and cemented her as a major young talent capable of diverse roles.

Future Speculation: Potential 'Wicked' Role

The industry is already speculating on her next big move. Following her success in a major musical adaptation, there has been talk in the media about Alisha Weir potentially being cast as Dorothy Gale in the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked: Part Two. While not confirmed, this speculation highlights the high regard in which she is currently held in Hollywood, particularly for her singing and acting capabilities.

A Tale of Two Matildas: Career Trajectories and Legacies

The stories of Mara Wilson and Alisha Weir offer a fascinating look at the evolution of child stardom across three decades. Their careers, though both tied to the same iconic character, represent vastly different outcomes and choices.

Mara Wilson's Legacy: The Writer and Advocate. Wilson's story is one of self-preservation and finding a creative outlet outside of the intense Hollywood machine. Her decision to prioritize her mental health and passion for writing and voice work has made her a respected figure outside of traditional acting. She remains beloved by fans of the 1996 film, which was directed by Danny DeVito and co-starred Rhea Perlman, and her current work as a writer and podcaster keeps her relevant and connected to a modern audience.

Alisha Weir's Trajectory: The Versatile Star. Weir's career is a testament to the modern child star who can seamlessly transition between genres. Her breakout role in the 2022 film, directed by Matthew Warchus, showcased her musical talent, but her immediate pivot to a major horror film like Abigail proves her ambition and range. Her involvement in diverse, high-profile projects like the vampire film and potential future musical roles positions her as one of the most exciting young actresses to watch.

The two Matildas, separated by 26 years, have both left an indelible mark on cinema. Wilson’s legacy is one of authenticity and a successful transition to a career behind the camera and microphone, while Weir is forging a path as a powerhouse actress, proving that the spirit of the little girl with extraordinary powers continues to inspire extraordinary careers.