For many of us who grew up in the ’90s, there was a time when Matilda was required viewing. Whether you had it on VHS or watched it on cable, there wasn’t one kid at school who hadn’t seen the movie. Now, nearly 30 years later (yikes), fans are still asking the same question: could there ever be a sequel? Or in today’s world, a remake would be possible as well.
According to Mara Wilson, who famously played Matilda Wormwood in the 1996 film, it’s something she’s thought about quite a bit. And she’s not convinced it should happen.
Wilson was one of the defining child stars of the 90s, appearing in Mrs. Doubtfire, Miracle on 34th Street, and Matilda before stepping away from the acting scene. In recent years, she’s focused on writing, audiobook narration, and voice work. Choosing a quieter life away from the spotlight that defined her childhood.
During a recent appearance at Fanboy Expo Knoxville, Wilson addressed the possibility of a follow-up film.
“People always ask me about doing a Matilda 2,”
“I have some issues with that,”
“But one thing that people always say is, ‘Oh, maybe it could be Matilda’s daughter.’ And I have some issues with that, because I think Matilda’s powers come from her adversity,”
“They come from the bad things that she went through, and the whole point is that she overcame these things. And she found power in educating herself and in making friends with these people who were really lovely … And so I don’t think Matilda would raise her daughter to be in a position where she developed those powers to protect herself,”
“Also, and this is a tricky question, but who would Matilda marry?”
“Who’s good enough for Matilda? Matilda’s such an awesome character that I can’t imagine who she would marry and have kids with, you know?”
Mara Wilson, Fanboy Expo Knoxville
Beyond the movie itself, Wilson’s memories of the production remain deeply personal. While filming, her mother was battling breast cancer. Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman became a source of comfort for her family. Wilson has affectionately referred to DeVito as her “favorite uncle,” and the actor even dedicated Matilda to her mother’s memory.
As much as ’90s kids would love to return to Crunchem Hall one more time, Wilson’s perspective makes sense. Some stories endure because they captured a specific moment in time. Not only that but the original film plays extremely well to newer audiences. I recently watched it with my daughter and she connected with it just as easily as I did as a child. There’s nothing they could add to make this movie better.
