16 Things You Never Knew About ‘Matilda’

Danny DeVito and his wife Rhea Perlman got the idea to make the movie after reading the Roald Dahl novel to their children. In fact, DeVito had never heard of Matilda until his daughter brought the book home one day.

As DeVito and Perlman read the books to their children each night, they naturally took on the roles of Matilda’s parents, which eventually led to DeVito telling Perlman “I should make this movie. It’s so cool for kids—it’s unique and it’s fun and all the good things.”

DeVito contacted the Dahl Foundation and learned that Roald’s widow, Liccy, already wanted to create a movie version of Matilda and a screenplay was already written. DeVito got involved and ended up becoming the director!

11. The FBI agent in the movie was played by Paul Reubens. Recognize that name or face? That’s Pee-wee Herman!

Yep, that’s the hilariously over-the-top Pee-wee Herman of Pee-wee’s Playhouse. The Emmy Award-winning children’s series ran from 1986 to 1991. Reubens faded from the spotlight after a scandal in 1991, but slowly made his comeback several years later.

12. When Matilda tells Miss Honey about how much she loves Charles Dickens, she initially pronounces his name as “Dahls Dickens.” Yet another nod to the great Roald Dahl!

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