Disney shares update on 'undeniably endearing' series as filming gets underway for series two

Disney+ has revealed three new cast members for the second season of its original series The Artful Dodger, set to start filming this month. Aussie actors Luke Bracey (known from Elvis and Hacksaw Ridge), Jeremy Sims (famed for Mr Inbetween and Last Cab to Darwin as a director), and up-and-coming talent Zac Burgess (from Cruel Intentions and Boy Swallows Universe) are set to bring fresh characters to the show, introducing new layers of romance, mystery, and action to the town of Port Victory.

Luke Bracey will take on the role of Inspector Henry Boxer, the town's new lawman with a romantic interest in a certain lady, while Jeremy Sims will portray Uncle Dickie, the Governor's charming yet dubious older brother. Additionally, Zac Burgess will play Phineas Golden, Uncle Dickie's attractive assistant. These newcomers will join returning stars such as Thomas Brodie-Sangster as lead character Jack Dawkins (The Artful Dodger), David Thewlis as Fagin, and Maia Mitchell as Lady Belle Fox. The second season will also see the comeback of several fan-favourite characters from the first season, which is up for seven awards at the AACTA Awards this month.

Returning cast include Susie Porter as Lady Jane Fox, Damien Garvey as Governor Fox, Tim Minchin as the villainous Darius Cracksworth, and others, including Luke Carroll and Vivienne Awosoga reprising their roles at the hospital, and Aljin Abella, Brigid Zengeni, and Albert Latailakepa as part of Fagin's gang of thieves. Season one of The Artful Dodger managed to charm audiences despite receiving a mix of critical feedback, with particular praise for its entertainment value. One critic remarked: "The light dramedy set in the 1800s is uneven but undeniably endearing," reports Surrey Live.

Another wrote: "Dickens' writing is a high bar to vault over, but Brodie-Sangster's nimble presence brings a light-footed, spritely energy, anchoring the many moving parts bobbing up and down.". Yet another added: "For ardent fans of Victorian literature, The Artful Dodger has very little to offer -- but for anybody looking to fill an evening with an inventive take on familiar characters.". Excitement builds as filming for The Artful Dodger season two, a co-production with Sony Pictures Television's Curio Pictures, kicks off this month in Sydney, Australia.

With over 2,000 cast, crew, and extras reassembling, they are set to resurrect the colourful landscape of Port Victory and unveil a thrilling new part of town that promises fresh challenges for our beloved characters. Season 2 of The Artful Dodger will be available on Disney+ globally and on Hulu in the U.S, with season 1 currently streaming now. Get the biggest TV headlines, recaps and insider knowledge straight to your inbox.