Actor Emma Thompson has joined the cast of the screen adaptation of Matilda. The film, based on the popular musical stage play version of Roald Dahl's classic story, is a Netflix and Working Title project.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Thompson is all set to portray Miss Trunchbull, a cruel headmistress and the antagonist of the story.

The film follows the titular five-year-old girl, Matilda, who uses her powers of telekinesis to overcome bullies, including her family and her school's principal Miss Trunchbull, and protect her friends. While child actor Alisha Weir will essay the titular role, Captain Marvel actor Lashana Lynch will play Miss Honey, a kindly teacher who encourages Matilda and her supernatural powers.

Matthew Warchus, who directed the original play, will return to helm the feature, while Tony award-winner Dennis Kelly will pen the screenplay

Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of Working Title will produce the project with Jon Finn and Luke Kelly of The Roald Dahl Story Company and Netflix.