Home Poal23

From Child Star To Horror Queen: What The Actresses Who Played Matilda Are Doing Now (2025 Update)

• minute read
Contents

The story of Matilda Wormwood—the precocious, telekinetic child prodigy created by Roald Dahl—has been immortalized on screen by two brilliant actresses: Mara Wilson in the beloved 1996 film and Alisha Weir in the high-energy 2022 musical adaptation. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the careers of both Matildas have taken fascinating, and in some cases, unexpected turns, with one becoming a celebrated writer and narrator, and the other cementing her status as a rising star in Hollywood’s biggest genres.

This deep dive explores the current lives, recent projects, and major career shifts for both Mara Wilson and Alisha Weir, alongside the latest updates on the iconic supporting actresses who brought Miss Honey and Miss Trunchbull to life in both film versions, offering a fresh, unique look at the entire Crunchem Hall/Crunchem Hall Primary School alumna. The information provided here is current as of December 2025.

The Two Matildas: Full Biography & Latest Career Updates

The core of the *Matilda* film legacy rests on the shoulders of the two young women who mastered the role. Their career trajectories since playing the titular character couldn't be more different, yet both have found immense success.

Mara Wilson (Matilda Wormwood, 1996)

  • Full Name: Mara Elizabeth Wilson
  • Date of Birth: July 24, 1987
  • Place of Birth: Burbank, California, U.S.
  • Known For: *Mrs. Doubtfire* (1993), *Miracle on 34th Street* (1994), *Matilda* (1996)
  • Current Career Focus: Writer, Playwright, and Award-Winning Narrator
  • Recent Projects (2024/2025): Narration for audiobooks like *Nora Ephron at the Movies* and *Through the Midnight Door*, appearances on podcasts and stage shows.

Mara Wilson's Shocking Career Pivot to Writing and Narration

Following her early retirement from major film roles, a decision she has openly discussed in her popular memoir, *Where Am I Now?: True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame*, Mara Wilson found her true calling not in front of the camera, but behind the microphone and keyboard.

Wilson is now a highly respected writer, playwright, and an award-winning narrator, primarily based in Los Angeles. Her work focuses on storytelling, and she has contributed to a number of popular podcasts and stage productions.

In a significant update for 2024, Wilson has been active in the audiobook world, lending her distinctive voice to several projects. Her narration credits in 2024 include Ilana Kaplan’s *Nora Ephron at the Movies* and Katrina Monroe’s novel *Through the Midnight Door*. This career as a narrator allows her to utilize her acting skills while maintaining the creative control and privacy she sought after leaving the pressures of Hollywood child stardom. Her most recent book, *Good Girls Don't*, further solidifies her position as a compelling non-fiction author.

Alisha Weir (Matilda Wormwood, 2022)

  • Full Name: Alisha Weir
  • Date of Birth: September 26, 2009
  • Place of Birth: Dublin, Ireland
  • Known For: *Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical* (2022), *Don't Leave Home* (2018)
  • Current Career Focus: Leading Actress in Major Film Productions
  • Recent Projects (2024/2025): Leading role in the horror film *Abigail* (2024), co-starring role in the comedy *Wicked Little Letters* (2024).

Alisha Weir: From Musical Prodigy to Horror Queen

In stark contrast to her predecessor, Alisha Weir is currently one of the fastest-rising young stars in Hollywood. Her breakout performance in *Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical* (2022) catapulted the Irish actress onto the international stage, and her 2024 projects prove she is a versatile talent.

Weir took a surprising turn by starring in the title role of the 2024 horror film *Abigail*, a vampire thriller that showcased her range far beyond the singing and dancing of a musical. This move demonstrates a clear intention to tackle diverse and challenging roles early in her career. Furthermore, she also appeared in the 2024 comedy *Wicked Little Letters*, alongside Oscar nominee Jessie Buckley.

Her rapid success was officially recognized when she was named in the prestigious 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe Entertainment list, a massive achievement for the young actress. This recognition firmly establishes Alisha Weir as a major talent to watch in the coming years.

The Unforgettable Supporting Cast: Miss Honey & Miss Trunchbull Now

The magic of *Matilda* is incomplete without the contrasting figures of the kind-hearted Miss Honey and the tyrannical Miss Trunchbull. The actresses who played these roles in both films—Embeth Davidtz, Pam Ferris, Lashana Lynch, and Emma Thompson—have equally compelling and current career updates.

Miss Honey: Embeth Davidtz (1996) and Lashana Lynch (2022)

Embeth Davidtz: Directorial Debut in 2024/2025

Embeth Davidtz, who played the gentle Miss Honey in the 1996 film, has expanded her illustrious career—which includes roles in *Schindler's List* and *The Amazing Spider-Man*—by moving behind the camera. In a major career milestone, Davidtz made her directorial debut with the film *Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight*. This adaptation of the best-selling memoir of the same name by Alexandra Fuller is a powerful new chapter for the South African-American actress, proving her artistic vision extends beyond acting.

Lashana Lynch: Spy Thriller and Marvel Universe

Lashana Lynch, who played Miss Honey in the 2022 musical, continues to be a powerhouse in major Hollywood franchises. Known for her groundbreaking roles as 007 agent Nomi in the James Bond film *No Time to Die* and as Maria Rambeau in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (*Captain Marvel*, *Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness*), Lynch's career is soaring.

In 2024, Lynch took on a leading role in the new spy thriller series *The Day of the Jackal*, starring alongside Eddie Redmayne. This project further solidifies her status as a versatile, in-demand actress capable of anchoring major action and drama productions.

Miss Trunchbull: Pam Ferris (1996) and Emma Thompson (2022)

Pam Ferris: An Enduring Legacy

The terrifying portrayal of Agatha Trunchbull by Welsh actress Pam Ferris in 1996 is one of the most iconic villain performances in family cinema. After *Matilda*, Ferris went on to memorable roles, including the equally mean Aunt Marge in *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*. She is also widely recognized for her long-running television roles, such as Sister Evangelina in the popular BBC series *Call the Midwife*. While she has maintained a quieter profile in recent years, her legacy of powerful, character-driven performances remains deeply influential.

Emma Thompson: Thrillers and Action Heroes

Dame Emma Thompson, who transformed into the monstrous Miss Trunchbull for the 2022 musical, continues her legendary, Oscar-winning career with a slate of major new films. Thompson is starring in the new thriller *The Dead of Winter*, a Minnesota-set project that promises a riveting and intense performance unlike her previous work.

Furthermore, she is set to lead the cast of the action thriller *The Fisherwoman*, where she will take on a physically demanding lead role. These high-profile, diverse projects—from a family musical villain to a serious thriller lead—highlight Thompson’s incredible range and enduring relevance in the film industry as of 2025.

Beyond the Main Characters: Other Notable Entities

To fully appreciate the world of *Matilda*, it is important to acknowledge the other key players who shaped the films. The 1996 film was a family affair, directed by and starring Danny DeVito as Harry Wormwood, alongside his real-life wife Rhea Perlman as Zinnia Wormwood. DeVito has since maintained a highly successful acting and directing career, while Perlman has also continued her acting work, notably with a recent Primetime Emmy Award nomination for her guest role in the series *Poker Face*.

The sheer number of high-profile entities associated with the *Matilda* films—including the core Matildas, the Miss Honeys, the Miss Trunchbulls, and the Wormwoods—demonstrates the lasting impact and topical authority of the source material. From Mara Wilson's quiet but highly successful shift to writing and narration, to Alisha Weir's bold move into the horror genre, the legacy of the *Matilda* actresses is one of constant evolution and surprising new chapters.

From Child Star to Horror Queen: What the Actresses Who Played Matilda Are Doing Now (2025 Update)
matilda film actress
matilda film actress

Detail Author:

  • Name : Christ Borer
  • Username : shayna.boyle
  • Email : batz.hosea@hotmail.com
  • Birthdate : 2004-07-02
  • Address : 402 Williamson Radial North Derekland, MD 97960-5110
  • Phone : (605) 435-4577
  • Company : Ledner-Mosciski
  • Job : Tree Trimmer
  • Bio : Reiciendis perferendis harum voluptatem corrupti quis et quidem in. Distinctio voluptas eos dolore unde eos sed.

Socials

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/brandi7168
  • username : brandi7168
  • bio : Rerum voluptatem eveniet impedit architecto sequi quam alias quo. Placeat molestiae iusto id assumenda dicta. Rem et et harum magni doloribus enim.
  • followers : 1429
  • following : 1319

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/brandi_id
  • username : brandi_id
  • bio : Asperiores necessitatibus vel repudiandae beatae. Qui voluptate deleniti qui quia modi beatae vero.
  • followers : 4859
  • following : 2214

tiktok:

  • url : https://tiktok.com/@brandiorn
  • username : brandiorn
  • bio : Aut odio et beatae dolor dicta natus. Nam ut repudiandae at ut blanditiis.
  • followers : 3363
  • following : 1775

linkedin:

facebook:

Random Posts