The 1996 film Matilda, based on Roald Dahl’s beloved novel, has left a lasting impression on audiences. However, over the years, several aspects of the film have become subjects of the Mandela Effect, where large groups of people remember details differently from how they actually occurred. Here are five notable Mandela Effects associated with Matilda:
1. The Spelling Scene: “Mississippi” vs. “Difficulty”
Memory: Many recall a scene where Miss Trunchbull asks a student to spell. The student spells “Mississippi,” accompanied by a poetic mnemonic. Some fans even credit this scene with teaching them how to spell the word.
Reality: In the actual scene, the word that is spelled is “difficulty,” not “Mississippi.” The student recites a rhyme: “Mrs. D, Mrs. I, Mrs. F-F-I, Mrs. C, Mrs. U, Mrs. L-T-Y.” This discrepancy has led many to question their memories of the film.
2. The Missing Scene: Miss Honey in the Chokey
Memory: Some viewers remember a scene where Miss Honey is blindfolded and locked in the Chokey by Miss Trunchbull, with Matilda rescuing her.
Reality: No such scene exists in the film. The Chokey—a narrow, closet-like torture device lined with sharp objects—is used to punish students, but Miss Honey is never subjected to it. This imagined scene has puzzled many who were certain it was part of the movie.
3. The Actress Playing Miss Honey: Sarah Paulson vs. Embeth Davidtz
Memory: A number of fans believe that actress Sarah Paulson portrayed the kind-hearted Miss Honey.
Reality: Miss Honey was actually played by Embeth Davidtz. This confusion might stem from a perceived resemblance between the two actresses or conflation with other roles they’ve played.
We even found an article by Herald Weekly that confirms, “Many fans were shocked when they discovered that it was Davidtz and not Paulson who appeared in the universally adored film.” Read it HERE.
4. The Name of the Closet-like Punishment Device: “The Pokey” vs. “The Chokey”
Memory: Some fans recall the closet being called “the Pokey.”
Reality: In both the book and the film, the closet is referred to as “the Chokey.” Interestingly, the terms “Chokey” and “Pokey” together resemble the phrase “Hokey Pokey,” which some associate with magic (hocus pocus) or children’s games, adding another layer to this memory mix-up.
5. Miss Honey’s Doll: “Lucy Doll” vs. “Lissy Doll”
Memory: Many remember Miss Honey’s cherished childhood doll being named “Lucy Doll,” which would have been named after Roald Dahl’s daughter.
Reality: The doll’s name is actually “Lissy Doll.” This is a nod to Roald Dahl’s second wife, Felicity, whose nickname was “Liccy.” The name “Lissy Doll” serves as a subtle tribute to her.
These Mandela Effects highlight the fascinating ways in which collective memory can diverge from reality. Whether due to conflated memories, cultural associations, or simple misremembering, Matilda continues to be a source of both nostalgia and intrigue.
What do you remember? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
