The Artful Dodgeroffers a bold new look at a familiar face from the pages of Charles Dickens. TheDisney+original takes us to 1850s Australia, where the cunning Jack Dawkins, known to many as the Artful Dodger fromOliver Twist, emerges as a man seeking a second chance at life in a town brimming with both opportunity and shadowed corners of old habits.
The newly released trailer forThe Artful Dodgerunfurls a rich tapestry of intrigue and ambition set in Port Victory, a town that bears the marks of its colonial heritage and the scars of its less savory ventures. The series reintroduces us to Jack Dawkins, deftly portrayed byThomas Brodie-Sangster, whose past roles have etched him into the memory of audiences worldwide. Now, he inhabits a character with a magnetic blend of mischief and the yearning for redemption, attempting to pivot from his renowned pickpocketing prowess to the dignified precision of surgery.
Yet, as the trailer suggests, the shadows of a criminal past are persistent. Jack’s transformation is jeopardized by the reappearance of Fagin, the criminal mastermind with an unsettling charm, played by the ever-versatileDavid Thewlis. Fagin’s presence in Jack’s new world of Port Victory is a testament to the chains of history that are hardest to break.
Adding complexity to Jack’s life is Lady Belle, embodied by Maia Mitchell. The governor’s daughter, Lady Belle is not merely an object of Jack’s affections but a woman with her own lofty ambitions. As she strives to carve her path as Port Victory’s first female surgeon, she becomes entangled with Jack and Fagin’s antics, weaving a narrative rich with romance and conflict.
WatchThe Artful Dodgertrailerbelow:
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A Stellar Assembly: The Diverse Cast of The Artful Dodger
The dynamic between Jack and Lady Belle offers a departure fromthe original warmth of Oliver Twist, opting instead for a narrative driven by a charismatic anti-hero whose charm extends far beyond his thieving hands. Viewers can expect a series that delves deeply into the iconic characters' complex layers, ambitions, past experiences, and heartfelt desires.
The ensemble cast ofThe Artful Dodgeris a showcase of exceptional talent. Damon Herriman brings his formidable presence to the role of Captain Gaines, while Damien Garvey steps into the authoritative shoes of Governor Edmund Fox. The Fox family drama is further enriched by Lucy-Rose Leonard as Lady Fanny Fox, adding to the web of personal and societal intricacies that Port Victory houses.
With Nicholas Burton stepping into the role of Dr. Rainsford Sneed, among others, the series is set to be a comprehensive foray into the lives and times of its characters. Spanning eight episodes, the show promises to unravel the adventurous spirit of Jack Dawkins with a depth and complexity that modern audiences will relish.
As the anticipation builds, viewers in the U.S. can look forward to the Hulu premiere on November 29, while UK and Australian audiences can catch the excitement on Disney+. With a vibrant trailer and compelling poster released,The Artful Dodgerstands poised to capture the imagination of viewers ready fora Dickensian talewith a twist.
The Artful Dodgeraims to stand out by offering a glimpse into the life of a character whose charm and cunning have captured readers for generations. This time, however, he does so from the dusty roads of Port Victory, with the ghosts of London’s alleys trailing just behind.
