The incredibly talentedMatildacast is a big reason why the 1996 children's fantasy movie has become an enduring fan favorite. Adapted from the 1988 beloved novel of the same by Roald Dahl and directed by Danny DeVito, Matilda chronicles the life of Matilda Wormwood (Mara Wilson), a brilliant young girl with telekinetic powers who has to endure indifference and mistreatment from her family. When her father reluctantly enrolls her into Crunchem Hall Elementary School, Matilda, with the help of her teacher, Miss Honey (Embeth Davidtz), uses her intelligence and powers to stand up to her family and her sadistic principal.