Sky Plans Modern-Take On Oliver Twist Starring Michael Caine, Lena Headey, Rita Ora & Raff Law
Sky is delving into the world of Charles Dickens, but with a modern ‘Twist’, as the broadcaster announces the cast for their upcoming movie adaptation of Oliver Twist.
The film sees Oliver reinvented as a streetwise artist living on the streets of modern-day London. A chance encounter with a gang of grifters led by the charismatic Dodge, played by Rita Ora (‘Fifty Shades’, ‘Detective Pikachu’) sees Twist, played by newcomer and son of Jude, Raff Law, caught up in a high-stakes heist. They plan to steal a priceless painting for master thief Fagin (Michael Caine), and his psychopathic business partner, Sikes (Lena Headey).
Alongside Law, Ora, Caine and Headey, the cast also includes ‘Legends of Tomorrow’s Firestorm, Franz Drameh, as Batesey, David Walliams as Losberne, and Sophie Simnett (‘Daybreak’, ‘Poldark’) as Red.
“Fagin is such an infamous character, it’s going to be great fun playing him,” commented Sir Michael. “I’m really looking forward to working with Lena, Raff and the rest of the cast in London when we start shooting.”
The film is written by John Wrathall (‘The Liability’) with additional writing by Sally Collett (‘Killers Anonymous’) and Martin Owen (‘Killers Anonymous’, ‘Let’s Be Evil’), with Owen also directing. Matt Williams, Ben Grass, Jason Maza and Noel Clarke serve as producers.
“I’m excited to play such a well-loved literary character, and I’m looking forward to working with Martin Owen to bring to life his new take on the character in modern-day London,” commented Raff Law about taking on his first major role.
“I couldn’t be more excited to take on the iconic character of Sikes from Oliver Twist,” adds ‘Game Of Thrones’ star Lena Headey. “Flipping roles without apology or character softening is a brilliant way to breathe new life into established materials and bring it to new audiences.”
‘Twist’ is backed by Magna Entertainment Capital, Blue Rider and Lipsync Productions, with international sales via Arclight Films. The film, which goes into production in London this autumn, will be released on Sky Cinema and also have a simultaneous limited theatrical release.
