Images of Dame Emma Thompson as Miss Trunchbull in an upcoming Netflix adaptation of Matilda have sparked an internet discussion regarding the use of fat costumes by actresses in the film.
In a recently released clip, the award-winning actress can be seen wearing a variety of prosthetics, including nose and cheek implants as well as a set of worn teeth.
The new picture starring Thompson as the fearsome Agatha Trunchbull will have a contemporary take on the 1996 classic.
Pam Ferris portrayed the character in the 1996 film Matilda, which also starred American actors Danny DeVito, Rhea Pearlman, and Mara Wilson.
However, the decision to dress Thompson in a so-called fat suit to portray the character as Roald Dahl originally envisioned her has been met with conflicting reactions.
Queen Mojo from Peckham’s Finest and comedian Freddie Quinn argued on Good Morning Britain whether the usage of prosthetics would deprive another plus-sized actor of a career.
The two then discussed whether a larger actor would have been a better fit for the part.
Queen Mojo stated, “When you’re plus-sized, there is a beauty to it, and when you go into a room carrying that weight, there is an energy that actors cannot always provide.
“This must be emphasized; if there was a character who was possibly less able-bodied or of a different gender than ourselves, they would be portrayed on TV.
Why are the bodies of obese people less important?
Freddie Quinn responded, “That is the overweight actor who is being denied employment?” Emma Thompson was cast because she is an experienced character actress who specializes in children’s movies.
“Which you would think would be ideal for portraying Miss Trunchbull. Surely that is more significant than someone’s mere obesity.”
The film adaption, written by Dennis Kelly, is based on the Tony and Olivier Award-winning staging of the popular musical by the Royal Shakespeare Company.
In addition to Lashana Lynch, Stephen Graham, Sindhu Vee, and Andrea Riseborough, Alicia Weir portray the title role.
Lynch will portray Matilda’s lovely teacher, Miss Honey, while Vee will play Mrs. Phelps, the librarian who lends Matilda her first books.
Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood are portrayed by Graham and Riseborough as slovenly, television-watching, money-obsessed characters.
The movie is expected to be released in December.
