Production Budget Analysis

What was the production budget for Matilda?

Directed by Danny DeVito, with Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman leading the cast, Matilda was produced by Jersey Films with a confirmed budget of $36,000,000, placing it in the low-budget category for comedy films.

With a $36,000,000 budget, Matilda sits in the mid-range of studio releases. Marketing costs for a wide release at this level typically add $30–60 million, putting the break-even point near $90,000,000.

Budget Comparison — Similar Productions

• Cradle Will Rock (1999): Budget $36,000,000 | Gross $2,900,000 → ROI: -92% • A Star Is Born (2018): Budget $36,000,000 | Gross $436,388,866 → ROI: 1112% • Five Nights at Freddy's 2 (2025): Budget $36,000,000 | Gross $239,502,619 → ROI: 565% • Hot Tub Time Machine 2 (2015): Budget $36,000,000 | Gross $64,800,000 → ROI: 80% • Amistad (1997): Budget $36,000,000 | Gross $44,229,441 → ROI: 23%

Key Budget Allocation Categories

▸ Talent Salaries & Producing Deals Established comedic talent can command $15–20 million per film, with top-tier stars earning even more through producing credits and backend deals. Comedy ensembles multiply this cost across several well-known performers.

▸ Production & Location Filming While comedies generally avoid the VFX costs of action films, location shooting in recognizable cities or exotic locales adds meaningful production expense.

▸ Marketing & P&A (Prints & Advertising) Comedies rely heavily on marketing to build opening-weekend momentum. Studios typically spend 50–100% of the production budget on marketing, with comedy trailers and social media campaigns being particularly expensive.

Key Production Personnel

CAST: Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Embeth Davidtz, Pam Ferris Key roles: Mara Wilson as Matilda Wormwood; Danny DeVito as Harry Wormwood / Narrator (voice); Rhea Perlman as Zinnia Wormwood; Embeth Davidtz as Miss Honey

DIRECTOR: Danny DeVito CINEMATOGRAPHY: Stefan Czapsky MUSIC: David Newman EDITING: Lynzee Klingman, Brent White PRODUCTION: Jersey Films, TriStar Pictures FILMED IN: United States of America

Box Office Performance

Matilda earned $33,459,416 domestically and $40,584 internationally, for a worldwide total of $33,500,000. The film skewed heavily domestic (100%), suggesting strong North American appeal.

Break-Even Analysis

Using the industry-standard 2.5x multiplier (P&A + exhibitor shares of 40–50% + distribution fees), Matilda needed approximately $90,000,000 to break even. The film fell $56,500,000 short in theatrical revenue. Ancillary streams (home media, streaming, TV) may have bridged the gap.

Return on Investment (ROI)

Revenue: $33,500,000 Budget: $36,000,000 Net: $-2,500,000 ROI: -6.9%

Profitability Assessment

VERDICT: Unprofitable (Theatrical)

Matilda earned $33,500,000 against a $36,000,000 budget (-7% ROI), falling short of theatrical profitability. Ancillary revenue may have reduced the deficit.