Many may not know this, but Danny DeVito’s involvement in Matilda was deeply personal. In a heartfelt reflection, he shared how a simple moment at home with his children—reading Roald Dahl’s Matilda aloud—sparked a creative journey that led him to direct, narrate, and act in one of the most cherished films of the 1990s.
Here’s what he had to say about how that family moment became a turning point:
“If it hadn’t been for my kids, I probably wouldn’t have been involved in Matilda. They were the ones who first brought the book into our home.
We were transitioning from picture books to chapter books, and one day they showed up with this Roald Dahl story I hadn’t read before. I read it aloud—and it completely blew me away. I thought, this should be a movie. It was dark, sweet, twisted… exactly the kind of story I love to bring to life.I later found out there was already some interest in adapting it, so I got involved. I directed the film, played Matilda’s father, and narrated the story. It was a full-circle experience. Like with Throw Momma from the Train, casting was a journey. For Miss Trunchbull, I saw many auditions—until one video from England arrived, and I just knew: she’s the one.
I enjoy mapping out my films ahead of time. Every shot, every scene—I like to visualize it all before filming begins. So stepping into the acting role felt natural. I poured my heart into the project, because Matilda wasn’t just a great story—it became a personal connection with my children, and a powerful reminder of why I love storytelling.” — Danny DeVito
DeVito’s words are a beautiful reminder that some of the most meaningful creative journeys begin at home—with a book, a story, and the people we love. Matilda wasn’t just a film—it became a bridge between generations, told through the eyes of a father, a storyteller, and an artist moved by the magic of childhood imagination.