why isn't the heroine of the film called Mathilda like in Christianna Brand's Books?

Fantastic film suitable for the whole family, Nanny McPhee is broadcast Wednesday December 25 from 9:10 p.m. on M6. Why is the name of this unforgettable heroine different from the one given to her in the original book series?

Inspired by the Books of Christianna Brand, the cinematic tale Nanny McPhee tells the story of a mysterious governess with supernatural powers, who comes to restore order in a chaotic family of seven unruly children. With her unconventional methods, this woman with a singular appearance gradually manages to transform these siblings of mischievous young people into responsible individuals. Played by Emma Thompson, the heroine has a different name than in the original novels. Between these pages, she was called Nurse Matilda, or Chère Mathilda in the French translation. This change, made during the writing phase by the main actress, also screenwriter, and producer Lindsay Doran, responds to linguistic and cultural imperatives.

At the time in which the plot takes place, the term “nurse“(governess-nurse) was common to refer to a maternal figure caring for children, but at the time of adaptation, in 2005, “nanny” had already become the preferred word for a modern audience.

Avoid confusion with Roald Dahl

Another decisive reason was to avoid any confusion with Matildathe iconic novel by Roald Dahl, published in 1988 and successfully adapted for the cinema in 1996. This preemptive choice aimed to dispel any association between the two works and to clearly distinguish Nanny McPhee as a unique entity in the world of children's films. “We wanted a name that was unlike anything else, that had its own magic“, explained Emma Thompson during the promotion of the feature film.

As for the name “McPhee,” it was suggested by Phyllida Law, Emma Thompson's mother, an actress herself and her daughter's creative collaborator. This choice reinforces the British identity of the character while giving him a touch of originality. This unusual surname, combined with the charisma of the actress, helped to anchor the character in the collective imagination as a governess who was both secret and benevolent. A thoughtful approach from start to finish.