11-year old Alisha Weir has been cast as Matilda in Netflix's musical adaptation of the iconic Roald Dahl book.
Dublin actress Weir previously appeared on the Late Late Toy Show in 2017 where sang a beautiful rendition of ‘True Colours’.
The actress also starred in Virgin Media’s hit crime drama Darklands in 2019 and she's a student at Johnny Ward’s drama school, who was delighted with Weir's news.
Taking to Twitter, Ward said: “MASSIVE NEWS!!!!!!!! Absolutely over the moon to finally announce that my Drama Student Alisha Weir has landed the title role of ‘Matilda’ in the Roald Dahl Netflix production of Matilda!!!!”
“So So proud! Massive congratulations to MVW Talent Agency," he added.
In terms of co-stars, Weir will be starring alongside two-time Oscar winner Emma Thompson (Sense and Sensibility, In The Name Of The Father) in the Netflix feature.
Thompson will take on the role of Miss Trunchbull while Lashana Lynch (Captain Marvel, No Time To Die) was previously cast as Miss Honey, the kind teacher who encourages child genius Matilda and protects her from cruel headmistress Miss Trunchbull.
The adaptation is being directed by Matthew Warchus and unlike the previous film that was helmed by Danny DeVito, the new version will be an adaptation of the hit Tony and Olivier Award-winning Broadway musical which Warchus also directed.
"Matilda will be an imaginative and fresh retelling of the award-winning musical, Matilda, featuring talented young newcomers, alongside established stars. I look forward to introducing this beloved and powerful story to a new generation of fans around the world, " said Warchus to The Hollywood Reporter.
