Emilia Clarke has shared her admiration for Netflix’s new animated adaptation of The Twits, calling it a story that reflects the world we live in today. The film marks the first-ever screen version of Roald Dahl’s 1980 classic, known for its sharp humor and moral undertones.
The 38-year-old actress, best known for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, voices Pippa, a narrator character reimagined for the film — a bed bug who lives in Mr. Twit’s beard and tells the story to her son, Jeremy.
“A Warning More Than Giving Up”
Speaking to the PA news agency, Clarke explained why the film resonated deeply with her:
“He’s playing with ideas that we can all relate to as it speaks to the world we live in,” Clarke said of director Phil Johnston.
“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. As Roald Dahl did, it’s a warning more than a giving up.”
Director Phil Johnston has described the adaptation as both a “social satire” and a “big, silly comedy about the world as I see it now.” Clarke echoed that sentiment, expressing admiration for the film’s ability to balance humor with reflection.
A Modern Twist on a Classic Tale
In classic Dahl fashion, The Twits tells the story of a foul-tempered couple known for their relentless mischief and cruelty. The Netflix film expands on that premise, following two brave children and a family of magical Muggle-Wumps who unite to stop the Twits as they rise to power.
Clarke’s narrator, Pippa, guides viewers through the chaos with a mix of warmth, wit, and gentle caution — a tone that took several creative iterations to perfect.
“She began as a very acerbic, sharp-tongued character,” Clarke revealed.
“But we realized she needed to be the calm, steady voice — still playful with her son, just not frightening him. Some of her drier remarks did survive, though.”
Honoring Roald Dahl’s Legacy
Roald Dahl, who passed away in 1990, remains a literary icon known for blending wild imagination with cautionary themes. Clarke believes The Twits continues that tradition, offering commentary wrapped in absurd humor — just as Dahl intended.
“It was so much fun getting to play,” Clarke said. “You can tell her opinion of the Twits, but you can also tell she cares about how her son hears it. That contrast made her such an exciting character to voice.”
Netflix’s The Twits not only revisits one of Dahl’s most chaotic tales but, according to Clarke, uses it to hold up a mirror to modern society — reminding us, with a laugh and a wink, that kindness and awareness still matter.
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