Series Description:
“The Artful Dodger” is an Australian historical crime comedy-drama series that premiered on Disney+ on November 29, 2023. Serving as a sequel to Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist,” the series explores the adult life of Jack Dawkins, famously known as the Artful Dodger. Set in 1850s Australia, Dawkins has reinvented himself as a skilled surgeon in the bustling colony of Port Victory. However, his past catches up with him when his former mentor, Fagin, reappears, drawing him back into a world of crime.
The series stars Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Jack Dawkins, David Thewlis as Fagin, and Maia Mitchell as Lady Belle Fox, the governor’s daughter who aspires to break societal norms by becoming the colony’s first female surgeon. The narrative intertwines medical drama with crime capers, highlighting Dawkins’ struggle to balance his respectable profession with his criminal inclinations.
Critically acclaimed for its dark humor and dynamic storytelling, “The Artful Dodger” has been praised for its stellar cast performances and period-accurate production design. The series holds a 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its positive reception among critics and audiences alike.
Due to its strong performance both locally and internationally, Disney+ announced a second season of “The Artful Dodger” on November 21, 2024, with the main cast set to return. Filming for the new season is expected to commence in 2025 in Sydney, Australia.
“The Artful Dodger” is available for streaming on Disney+ in Australia and the United Kingdom, and on Hulu in the United States. The series offers a fresh perspective on classic literary characters, blending elements of historical fiction, crime, and comedy into a compelling narrative.
Additional Details:
Cast:
- Thomas Brodie-Sangster: Artful Dodger
- David Thewlis: Fagin
- Maia Mitchell: Lady Belle Fox
Crew:
- Directors: Jeffrey Walker, Corrie Chen and Gracie Otto
- Producers: Jeffrey Walker and Ross Allsop
