Danny DeVito Shares Behind-the-Scenes Story of the Iconic Pigtail Scene from Matilda

Miss Trunchbull’s pigtail hammer throw with Jacqueline Steiger’s character, Amanda Thirrp.
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NEED TO KNOW

• Matilda features memorable performances from young actors, including Jacqueline Steiger.
• Steiger portrayed Matilda’s classmate, Amanda Thripp, who is famously tossed by Miss Trunchbull in the “pigtail hammer throw” scene.
• This iconic moment from the 1996 film was later revisited when bonus material was filmed for its DVD release.

The creation of one of Matilda‘s most unforgettable sequences showcases the intricacies of filmmaking.

In 1997, director, producer, and star Danny DeVito discussed the making of the film in bonus footage for its DVD release. He recounted the details behind the striking scene in which Miss Trunchbull swings Amanda Thripp, played by Jacqueline Steiger, by her pigtails.

DeVito emphasized that the memorable moment was captured through meticulous filming rather than heavy editing. “We had a crane, we had a very, very big crane. It went up and came down and we put her in a harness,” he revealed, adding that the young actress enjoyed the experience.

Sharing a fond memory, DeVito recalled, “The thing about Jacqueline I remember really well is that she read. Constantly, she read as much as Matilda.” Footage depicts Steiger on set, engrossed in the 1988 Roald Dahl novel while being tested in the harness, demonstrating her enthusiasm for the stunt.

Matilda appears shocked.

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In a light moment during filming, Steiger, while adjusting her harness, spoke with the film’s star, Mara Wilson. She revealed her “codeword” for signaling if she became dizzy was “jellybeans.” The pair laughed at the potential of Steiger shouting out the word in the middle of the scene.

To enhance the visual effect of the scene, Steiger wore “special braids” designed to withstand the spinning effects of the “pigtail hammer throw.” “Then we’d have to glue them back on,” DeVito explained.

Matilda hears about Miss Trunchbull.

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As Steiger swung in the harness, her young co-stars looked on in amazement. DeVito playfully reminded them, “you’re horrified,” capturing the mixed emotions the moment evoked.

Nearly three decades after its release, the care taken in staging the scene and the camaraderie shared among the cast remains heartwarming.