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The Two Matildas: Where Are The Actresses Now? Alisha Weir's Horror Shift And Mara Wilson's Shocking Residuals Revelation

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The world of Roald Dahl's *Matilda* has been brought to life by two extraordinary actresses, each leaving an indelible mark on the iconic character, Matilda Wormwood. As of this current date, December 25, 2025, the careers and lives of these two stars—the original 1996 film's lead and the more recent musical adaptation's breakout—could not be more different, offering a fascinating look at the trajectory of child stardom in Hollywood. This in-depth report brings you the freshest and most unique updates on both actresses, focusing on their latest projects, surprising career shifts, and candid personal revelations.

The most recent actress to take on the role, Irish star Alisha Weir, has just made a dramatic pivot from the singing and dancing world of the musical adaptation to a leading role in a major 2024 horror film. Meanwhile, the original star, Mara Wilson, continues to make headlines with her candid discussions about the reality of residuals for classic films and her successful transition into a new career as a writer and advocate.

Alisha Weir: From Magical Musical to Blood-Sucking Vampire (The Current Matilda)

Alisha Weir catapulted to international fame as the titular character in the 2022 Netflix film, *Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical*. Her performance, which included the memorable rendition of the song "Naughty," earned her widespread acclaim for her powerful vocals and charismatic screen presence. However, her latest career move has proven to be the most surprising and is the freshest update on the young star.

Alisha Weir Biography & Profile

  • Full Name: Alisha Weir
  • Date of Birth: September 26, 2009
  • Age (as of 2025): 16
  • Place of Birth: Dublin, Ireland
  • Nationality: Irish
  • Occupation: Actress, Singer
  • Breakthrough Role: Matilda Wormwood in *Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical* (2022)
  • Most Recent Major Role: Abigail in *Abigail* (2024)
  • Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $1.5 million (as of 2025)
  • Known For: Her expressive acting, powerful singing voice, and versatility across genres.

The Shocking Shift to Horror: Starring in *Abigail* (2024)

Following the global success of *Matilda the Musical*, Alisha Weir made a stunning genre pivot by taking on the lead role in the 2024 Universal Monsters horror film, *Abigail*. The film, directed by the team behind *Ready or Not* and *Scream 6*, sees Weir play a young girl who is kidnapped by a group of would-be criminals, only for them to discover she is a blood-sucking vampire.

This role as the terrifying, ballet-dancing vampire "Abigail" is a stark contrast to the sweet, telekinetic schoolgirl, Matilda. Weir's performance was lauded for its intensity, showcasing a darker, more mature side to her acting range. The film, which also stars Kathryn Newton and Dan Stevens, solidified Weir's status as a versatile young talent capable of leading a major Hollywood production outside of the musical genre.

In interviews, Weir has discussed the excitement and challenge of transitioning from a family-friendly musical set to a gore-filled horror set. She noted the fun of playing a character with such a dark and unexpected twist, a far cry from practicing her lines with Emma Thompson’s formidable Miss Trunchbull. Her involvement in *Abigail* marks her as one of the most exciting young actresses to watch, successfully navigating the tricky transition from child star to serious dramatic lead.

Mara Wilson: The Original Matilda's Life Beyond Hollywood

For many, the name "Matilda the actress" immediately conjures up Mara Wilson, the star of the beloved 1996 film directed by Danny DeVito. Wilson’s career in the 1990s was iconic, featuring roles in *Mrs. Doubtfire*, *Miracle on 34th Street*, and, of course, *Matilda*. However, Wilson famously stepped away from mainstream acting in 2000, choosing a path that focused on writing and personal advocacy.

The Shocking Residuals Revelation

In one of the most significant and timely updates, Mara Wilson has been candid about the financial realities of being a former child star in the age of streaming. She recently revealed that despite her films being constantly streamed and re-watched globally, her earnings from residuals are surprisingly low.

Wilson has stated that she often makes less than $26,000 a year from residuals for her blockbuster films, a figure that shocked many fans who assumed her work in classics like *Matilda* and *Mrs. Doubtfire* would provide a substantial, lifelong income. This revelation has turned her into a prominent voice in the ongoing discussion about fair compensation for actors in the streaming era, particularly for those whose work predates the digital boom.

A New Life as a Writer and Advocate

Mara Wilson has fully embraced her new identity as a successful writer, playwright, and storyteller. She has published the memoir *Where Am I Now?: True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame*, and her most recent book, *Good Girls Don't*, has been a topic of discussion among her dedicated following.

Her writing often explores themes of mental health, body image, and the pressures of growing up in the public eye. She maintains a popular Substack newsletter titled "Shan't We Tell the Vicar?" where she shares her personal essays and reflections. In 2024, she also lent her voice to several audiobooks, including narrating *Nora Ephron at the Movies*, further cementing her career pivot to a focus on literature and audio media.

Wilson has also been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. She has openly discussed her personal struggles with severe Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and body dysmorphia, using her platform to destigmatize these conditions. Her advocacy work, combined with her compelling writing, has given her a second, highly respected career that is far removed from the pressures of the Hollywood spotlight she left behind.

The Legacy of Matilda: Two Paths, One Iconic Role

The stories of Alisha Weir and Mara Wilson highlight the diverse and often unpredictable paths of young actors who take on a globally recognized role like Matilda Wormwood. Alisha Weir represents the dynamic modern child star, effortlessly transitioning between high-profile genres—from a beloved family musical to a gruesome Universal horror film—demonstrating incredible versatility and ambition in her early career.

Mara Wilson, on the other hand, embodies the thoughtful former child star who prioritized her mental well-being and creative fulfillment over commercial success. Her current work as a writer and her candid discussions about the financial realities of residuals offer a powerful, honest perspective on the darker side of the entertainment industry.

Both actresses, in their own unique ways, continue to resonate with audiences. Whether it's Weir's shocking transformation into a vampire in *Abigail* or Wilson’s insightful essays on life after fame, the legacy of the girl who can move things with her mind remains as compelling as ever. Their individual journeys—one a rising star embracing a dark new genre, the other a successful writer advocating for change—ensure that the name "Matilda the actress" remains relevant and fascinating for a new generation of fans.

The Two Matildas: Where Are The Actresses Now? Alisha Weir's Horror Shift and Mara Wilson's Shocking Residuals Revelation
matilda the actress
matilda the actress

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