Who directed the 1996 film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Matilda?

Danny DeVito directed the 1996 film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Matilda.

DeVito also produced the film and played Harry Wormwood, Matilda’s dishonest and neglectful father. The movie adapts Dahl’s 1988 novel about a highly intelligent girl whose family undervalues her and whose extraordinary abilities help her challenge the cruel headmistress Miss Trunchbull.

Mara Wilson played Matilda, while Pam Ferris portrayed Miss Trunchbull and Embeth Davidtz played Miss Honey. The film was released in the United States in August 1996 and later became especially popular on home video and television.

This adaptation is distinct from the 2022 musical film Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, directed by Matthew Warchus. DeVito’s version is a darkly comic family film rather than a stage-musical adaptation.