Mara Wilson, who played the title character in Matilda 6 mitica (1996), turned down a cameo role, saying she didn't want to fly to England just for one day of filming. Similarly, Pam Ferris (Miss Trunchbull in the original) was also offered a cameo but supposedly turned it down as it clashed with rehearsals for a stage play.
Songs from the musical not featured in this film are "Pathetic," "This Little Girl," "Loud," "Telly" and large sections of the opening number "Miracle." One new song, "Still Holding Your Hand," was written especially for the film.
Contrary to her character of Agatha Trunchbull, Emma Thompson was very sweet and warm to the children on set, so much so that the director had to ask her to stop giving the children hugs, as "they're supposed to be frightened of [her]."
In the stage version of the musical, Trunchbull is traditionally played by a man. The role was originated by Bertie Carvel, but here the part is played by a woman, Emma Thompson.