Matilda is a fantasy movie. Danny DeVito directed the movie. The story is based on the novel called Matilda by Roald Dahl. TriStar Pictures released the movie on July 28, 1996. Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Embeth Davidtz, and Pam Ferris are the stars of the movie. 6 1/2 (6 in a half)-7 year old kindergardener named Matilda (who lives with her abusive father who abuses her) got played by Mara Wilson.