Hollywood star Emilia Clarke has praised Netflix’s animated adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic, The Twits, calling it a film that “speaks to the world we live in.” The Game of Thrones and Me Before You actress voices Pippa, the story’s narrator, in what marks the first-ever feature-length adaptation of the beloved children’s tale.
Directed by Phil Johnston, the film reimagines Dahl’s mischievous and darkly humorous story about Mr. and Mrs. Twit, a vile couple known for their cruel pranks and nasty behavior. The adaptation introduces modern-day themes while maintaining the original’s satirical spirit.
In her interview with PA News Agency, Clarke explained that Johnston’s creative approach to The Twits resonated deeply with her. “It was something we talked about a lot and still remains one of the biggest reasons why I love this movie and Phil so very much,” she said.
She described the film as both entertaining and thought-provoking, reflecting on how its social message mirrors contemporary issues. “He’s playing with ideas that we can all relate to as it speaks to the world we live in. But he’s getting us to suspend our disbelief long enough to feel the absurdity without being completely at a loss for the state of the world we’re living in,” Clarke added. “As Roald Dahl did, it’s a warning more than a giving up.”
The film follows two brave children and a family of magical Muggle-Wumps as they attempt to stop the Twits from taking over their city. Clarke’s character, Pippa, is a witty bed bug who lives in Mr. Twit’s beard and narrates the story to her son, Jeremy.
Speaking about her role, Clarke shared how her voice performance evolved during production. “She went through a few iterations before we landed on the Pippa you see in the movie,” she revealed. “She began as a very acerbic, blood-drinking ab-fab like woman with dry wit, but eventually became the voice of calm reasoning — still playful, still witty, but more nurturing with her son.”
The actress added that the process was both creative and rewarding. “You can tell her opinion of the Twits, but she doesn’t want to scare her son too much. It was so much fun getting to play,” Clarke said.
Roald Dahl, who passed away in 1990, remains one of the most celebrated authors in children’s literature, known for timeless classics like Matilda and The BFG. With Netflix’s The Twits, Dahl’s humor and moral lessons find new life for today’s audience — and Clarke’s heartfelt performance adds a modern emotional touch to his world of mischief and meaning.
