Film Version of MATILDA Musical to Hit Theaters in 2018? May Feature New Music from Minchin

A schoolroom full of MATILDA's 'Revolting Children' may hit movie theaters as early as 2018 according to the show's composer, Tim Minchin. Speaking at the South Bank Sky Arts Awards over the weekend, the talented singer and songwriter revealed that pre-production on the project is already underway and that the film may be completed in just two short years.

According to The Stage, the composer of the highly anticipated stage adaptation of GROUNDHOG DAY told the crowd, "We didn't want to rush it as we wanted it to be known as a theatre piece. We didn't want people going to the theatre saying: 'Oh it's the musical of that movie.' You want people seeing the film saying: 'It's the movie of that musical." He added, "There is pre-production going on right now and I would like to see it by 2018."

Minchin went on reveal that he may even compose new material for the movie, helmed by Matthew Warchus and featuring a book by Dennis Kelly. "Apparently you have to add a new song otherwise you can't win an Oscar," he joked. "I would not do that for a reason like that, but if the movie asks for a new song I will write a new song."

In another new twist, Minchin shared that the role of Miss Trunchbull may not be portrayed by a male actor, as is traditionally done in the stage version. "It's a logistical choice for the show, as you want a tall actor who can swing a child and jump over a vault. They have to be strong. Miss Trunchbull as a man is about having to do eight shows a week, doing that physical stuff," he explained.

Read the article in full HERE

MATILDA THE MUSICAL has now received 50 awards in Stratford-upon-Avon, London and New York, and has been seen by over three million people worldwide. Sweeping the board at the 2012 Olivier Awards, winning a record-breaking seven awards, Matilda the Musical has gone on to take Broadway by storm winning four Tony Awards and a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theater for each of the four girls sharing the title role. During 2015, the London and Broadway productions of Matilda the Musical are joined by the US tour which opened in Los Angeles in May and the Australian premiere in Sydney this August.

Inspired by the incomparable Roald Dahl's beloved book, Matilda the Musical premiered at theRoyal Shakespeare Company's The Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in November 2010, before transferring to London's West End in October 2011. The musical is written by playwright Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by comedian, musician and composer Tim Minchin, and direction by Matthew Warchus.

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus