Mara Wilson, the former child star renowned for her role as Matilda in the classic 1996 film, has recently shared her thoughts on the potential of a sequel and her evolving relationship with the beloved character. Speaking at a panel during the Fanboy Expo in Knoxville, Tennessee, the now 38-year-old actress reflected on the challenges involved in crafting a follow-up to such a cherished story.
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The actress was queried about the prospects of a “Matilda 2,” a topic that she admits often comes up in conversation. “People always ask me about doing a Matilda 2. And that could be possible,” Wilson commented, hinting at the prospect of reviving the iconic story. However, she expressed concerns regarding commonly suggested ideas for the sequel, specifically those that centre around the notion of Matilda raising a daughter.
“I have some issues with that,” Wilson explained. She elaborated that Matilda’s unique abilities stem from her experiences with adversity. “Her powers come from the bad things that she went through. The whole point is that she overcame these things,” she emphasised, highlighting that her character found strength through education and the bonds formed with supportive individuals. “I don’t think Matilda would raise her daughter to be in a position where she developed those powers to protect herself,” she concluded.
The discussion moved to the topic of Matilda’s romantic life, which raised further intriguing questions for Wilson. “Who would Matilda marry? Who’s good enough for Matilda?” she pondered aloud. This uncertainty only added weight to her sentiment that the character is one of a kind, making it difficult to imagine her in a conventional familial setting.
Wilson also opened up about her initial annoyance at being constantly associated with the character she brought to life. “I used to be a little annoyed when people would call me Matilda,” she recalled, comparing it to being called by the name of a cooler sibling. “I was like, ‘No, I’m Mara. I’m not as cool as she is,’” she admitted. Over the years, however, her frustration has transformed into acceptance and even fondness.
In a nod to how her perspective has shifted, Wilson referenced the late Carrie Fisher’s experience with Princess Leia. “I feel like me and Princess Leia have kind of merged over the years. I sort of feel like that too,” Wilson remarked, indicating that she has grown to see connections between herself and Matilda.
Wilson further articulated that Matilda embodies qualities she cherishes and advocates for, particularly in matters of mental health and literacy. “Matilda would do things that I do. She would talk about mental health, she would talk about books,” she noted, emphasising how these values resonate with her own beliefs and actions. “I think I’ve become a lot like her in my own way,” she reflected positively.
Beyond the character’s influence on her personal growth, Wilson shared how her experience filming Matilda influenced her relationships, particularly with Danny DeVito, who directed the film. Wilson revealed that DeVito played a pivotal role in supporting her during a tumultuous period; she lost her mother to breast cancer shortly before the film’s release. “Danny DeVito took very good care of my family. He really helped me and my family when we were going through something terrible,” she recounted.
Despite the challenges faced during production, Wilson painted a picture of camaraderie and fond memories, likening some moments to those of a summer camp. “There were hard days, but there were also days where it felt like summer camp. And I am still friends with the people that I worked on it today,” she said, reflecting on the lasting bonds created during the filming process.
As Mara Wilson contemplates the legacy of Matilda and what a sequel might entail, it’s clear that her relationship with the character is as complex as her own life journey. The iconic role and the film’s success not only shaped her childhood but also guided her into adulthood, influencing her values and inspiring her activism. With the continued popularity of Matilda, Wilson’s reflections resonate deeply, inviting audiences to reconsider the impact of storytelling and the characters that remain intertwined with our lives.