- Danny DeVito and Mara Wilson plan to perform Matilda live with the New Jersey Philharmonic Orchestra after the strike ends.
- The 1996 film adaptation of the Roald Dahl book is highly praised, scoring 92% on the Tomatometer with critics.
- DeVito and Wilson had a good off-screen relationship, with DeVito assisting Wilson in overcoming nervousness during a performance.
Danny DeVito and Mara Wilson, stars of the beloved 1996 family film Matilda, had arranged to perform the film live alongside the New Jersey Philharmonic Orchestra. However, their plans were halted due to the strike. Nevertheless, they still intend to carry out the live performance once the strike concludes.
Matilda, both in its original book form by Roald Dahl and in the film adaptation, has received much praise over the years. It is often regarded as one of the best children’s movies of all time, earning a 92% score on the Tomatometer with critics. The film tells the story of a young girl with psychic powers, played by Wilson, who outwits her crooked father, played by DeVito, and eventually finds unconditional love from the kind-hearted Miss Honey, played by Embeth Davidtz.
In an interview with The Messenger, DeVito revealed their plans to perform with the orchestra, stating, “Mara and I were planning to perform ‘Matilda’ live with the New Jersey Philharmonic Orchestra just before the [SAG-AFTRA] strike hit. We had it all set, but, after the strike hit, we couldn’t proceed because it would be seen as a promotion for a movie. However, we’re still planning to do that. We’re going to watch the movie with David Newman’s score and try to do it sometime soon, as it seems the strike may be coming to an end — I hope!”
DeVito and Wilson shared a positive off-screen relationship during the filming of Matilda. DeVito had helped Wilson overcome her nervousness during a dance performance by having the entire cast and crew participate in dancing with her on set. Wilson gained prominence in her acting career after starring in Mrs. Doubtfire and then went on to star in Matilda.
Over his six-decade-long career, Danny DeVito has become a well-known and versatile actor, starring in projects ranging from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest to the television series Taxi, Batman Returns, and most recently, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Fans of Matilda eagerly await the live performance featuring DeVito and Wilson once the SAG-AFTRA strike comes to an end.