A theory about Miss Trunchbull from Matilda adds layers to the character and changes how I look at her role in the film. Played by Pam Ferris, Miss Trunchbull is the most fearsome foe Matilda encounters in the film. She’s a brutal educator who has a habit of tormenting her students, either by forcing them into humiliating punishments or just by casually throwing them around. She’s a horrifying character and made a huge impression on me as a kid.

However, a harsh reality of rewatching Matilda is that Miss Trunchbull seemingly lacks character depth that’s afforded other characters in the film. Even Matilda’s family, who are purposefully portrayed as lackluster and aggressive, steadily reveal more of themselves over the course of the film. This is why I love the theory about Miss Trunchbull that Pam Ferris revealed during an interview. Like another dark Matilda theory, it makes perfect sense within the film and gives the villain some crucial (and surprising) depth.

Matilda Theory: Trunchbull Was A Villain Due To Steriods

Miss Trunchbull’s Rage Might Have A Compelling In-Universe Explanation

The Matilda theory that Miss Trunchbull’s anger issues stem from steroid abuse makes perfect sense and adds a layer of tragedy to the otherwise straightforward villain. In Matilda, Trunchbull is the despotic head mistress of Matilda’s school, serving as the primary antagonist of the film. Her hatred towards children and all-encompassing rage makes her a spiteful character, which only makes her impressive physical feats as a former Olympian all the more frightening. During an interview between Radio Times and Pam Ferris reflecting on her time playing Miss Trunchbull, Pam Ferris revealed she’d brought some personal touches to the character.

Feriss explained she played Trunchbull with a direct source of her anger. As Ferris explained, “my theory is that she was on steroids. This is not mentioned in the book or the screenplay, but I think if you’re that obsessed about your own physique you probably would get into steroids.” Ferris goes on to argue that Trunchbull’s internal frustration over not being able to match her idealized physical state, especially when she gives into temptation and eats a chocolate cake, would fester into rage issues that she redirects at others.

Why Pam Ferris’ Matilda Theory Makes A Lot Of Sense

Miss Trunchbull’s Harsh Actions Make More Sense With An External Driving Force

I really like this theory, as it explains how and why Trunchbull is so quick to lash out so viciously at children. Even compared to the other adults in Matilda, Trunchbull felt particularly monstrous and one-note. By giving Trunchbull a more tragic element to her backstory, she becomes a more complex character. Her rage doesn’t just stem from her personality, it has an origin. Her Olympic ambitions prompted her to transform her body, and it wouldn’t be surprising to discover that — like so many before her — Trunchbull resorted to performance-enhancing drugs to maintain that.

None of this excuses Miss Trunchbull’s actions in the film, especially the insinuation that she murdered Miss Honey’s father for his home and wealth. However, it does introduce another layer to the character that fleshes her out. She still clearly takes pride in her physical strength and Olympic experience, given that she’s seen exercising and wearing her Olympic apparel decades since she appeared in the games. It would also explain her temper, as steroid abuse has often left people to lash out in anger. It’s an interesting idea to explain Miss Trunchbull’s character.

How The Matilda Theory Changes How I Feel About Trunchbull

Trunchbull Gains Some Depth But Remains The Film’s Main Villain

I love the idea that Miss Trunchbull’s anger has a direct source, but that it doesn’t excuse or redeem her. Miss Trunchbull remains the antagonist of the film, and if it stems from rage related to steroid abuse then it’s the result of her actions. It allows Matilda setting off her comeuppance to still feel rewarding within the narrative. However, it also makes Miss Trunchbull a more fleshed out character. The idea paints her as someone with internal views on herself, with an apparent self-loathing for losing the muscle she’d had during the heights of her athletic career.

It makes Trunchbull a sadder character and reinforces the theme in the film that cheaters don’t win. Much like Matilda’s father or the FBI agents who skirt the law to try and incriminate him, adults who break the rules for their advantage are faced with consequences in the form of Matilda’s pranks. It adds depth to Miss Trunchbull without removing the cartoonish villainy she embodies in the rest of the film. It’s a great way to add a somber but fitting layer to the backstory of Matilda, and shades how I look at one of the film’s most memorable characters.

Source: Radio Times