Matilda the Musical is coming to the small screen. Based off of the classic Road Dahl children’s novel and 1996 film of the same name, Sony and Netflix will team up to produce the film adaptation that will receive a full theatrical and video run exclusively in the United Kingdom before streaming on Netflix worldwide.
Matthew Warchus, original director of the West End stage production of Matilda the Musical in 2010, will return to direct the adaptation. Little additional details have been released, including when audiences can expect to watch the film themselves at home on the streaming service. Neither Sony or Netflix has commented further on its release.
Despite being a commercial failure, the 1996 film adaptation of Matilda has earned cult status since its release, with many noting its popularity driving up the value of its IP. The story centers on the title character, a five year-old bookworm who learns of her own psychokinetic abilities just as she arrives at a new school headed by tyrannical principal Miss Turnchbull.
Netflix previously said it would develop its own adaptations of Road Dahl childhood favorites, including Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The BFG.