The ‘Matilda’ Cast Just Staged an Emotional Surprise Reunion 30 Years Later: Here Is Who Joined Danny DeVito Onstage

Three decades after bringing Roald Dahl‘s story to the big screen, the stars of the 1996 classic film just delivered an unexpected blast of nostalgia. Danny DeVito reunited with former child star Mara Wilson and several key co-stars for a massive surprise appearance at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

The unannounced gathering took place during a live-narrated 30th anniversary screening of Matilda before a packed crowd of 5,000 fans. DeVito, 81, took the stage alongside composer David Newman and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra before introducing his former castmates to the roaring audience.

The surprise turned an already rare orchestral performance into a full-scale cast reunion.

Who Joined Danny DeVito Onstage at the Royal Albert Hall?

DeVito directed the beloved adaptation and starred as Matilda’s crooked, used-car salesman father, Harry Wormwood. But while audiences expected DeVito to host the screening, they did not anticipate the parade of original cast members who stepped out from behind the curtain.

Wilson, 39, led the charge, marking a rare joint appearance with her on-screen father. She was accompanied by Pam Ferris, who famously portrayed the terrifying, hammer-throwing headmistress Miss Trunchbull.

Several of Matilda’s classic schoolmates also took the stage to greet the audience:

• Kiami Davael, who played Matilda’s braided best friend, Lavender.
• Jacqueline Steiger, known to fans as Amanda Thripp, the girl thrown by her pigtails.
• Kira Spencer Hesser, who played fellow Crunchem Hall student Hortensia.

The appearance brought the film’s core ensemble together in front of an international crowd for the first time in years.

Mara Wilson in Matilda

Behind-the-Scenes Support That Outlasted Hollywood

Following the show, Wilson took to social media to reflect on the overwhelming crowd response and her enduring connection to the group.

“What a joy to celebrate with people who mean so much to me, with whom I share so many wonderful memories. Jaki, Kiami, Pam, Kira, David Newman, and of course, Uncle Danny, I love you all.”

For Wilson, sharing the stage with DeVito carries weight that stretches far beyond simple movie nostalgia.

The Off-Screen Bond During Production

A common misconception about childhood stardom is that co-stars simply walk away once production wraps. The dynamic on the set of Matilda was defined by genuine real-life tragedy and compassion.

During the movie’s production, Wilson’s mother, Suzie Wilson, was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent intensive treatment. Suzie passed away just three months before the film hit theaters in July 1996.

Throughout that ordeal, DeVito and his wife and co-star, Rhea Perlman, served as an essential support system for the young actress.

“[DeVito] really helped me and my family when we were going through something terrible. And they were very loving and kind, and I made so many lifelong friends on that.”

Wilson described the experience as having difficult days balanced by moments that felt like summer camp. Decades later, that off-screen family dynamic remains completely intact.

💬 Thirty years later, the enduring connection between this cast continues to resonate with generations of movie lovers.

✨ Seeing the ensemble reunited on stage shows just how deep those production bonds truly ran.

👇 Did you grow up watching Matilda? Share your favorite scene or memory in the comments below!