According to The Hollywood Reporter, The Sandman star David Thewlis and The Queen’s Gambit actor Thomas Brodie-Sangster have signed on for the leading roles in Disney+’s upcoming Australian drama titled The Artful Dodger, based on a character in Charles Dickens’ classic novel Oliver Twist. Thewlis is set to portray Fagin, while Brodie-Sangster will take on the titular role of Jack Dawkins. In addition, The Fosters alum Maia Mitchell has also been cast for the leading role of Lady Bell Fox.
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The Artful Dodger is an eight-episode series which is expected to give a new twist to the Charles Dickens character, who is known as a skilled and cunning pickpocket in the novel. The Disney+ series will feature Brodie-Sangster’s Jack Dawkins as he lives a double life as surgeon who has retain his criminal tendencies.
“From high-octane heists to life-and-death surgeries, glittering parties to colorful streets, this series is a rock’n’roll tale with an Aussie connection,” reads the logline.
Additional cast includes Damon Herriman, Miranda Tapsell, Tim Minchin, Susie Porter, Kym Gyngell, Damien Garvey, Jessica De Gouw, Andrea Demetriades, Luke Carroll, and Huw Higginson. It will also feature newcomers Lucy-Rose Leonard, Nicholas Burton, Jude Hyland, Finn Treacy and Albert Latailakepa.
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The Artful Dodger is created and executive produced by David Maher and David Taylor, with Jeffrey Walker also directing and executive producing. It will be written by James McNamara, Andrew Knight, Vivienne Walshe and Dan Knight, and Miranda Tapsell. Besides Walker, Corrie Chen and Gracie Otto are also serving as directors. It hails from Sony Pictures Television.
