Twist cast: Who is in the new Charles Dickens adaptation of Oliver Twist?

Charles Dickens’ classic novel, Oliver Twist, is one of the best loved stories in literature. It follows young Oliver, who travels to London and finds himself in a gang of pickpockets following the lead of the conniving Fagin. With a new modern adaptation on its way to cinemas, who is in the cast of Twist?

Who is in the cast of Twist?

Twist does not wish to stick too close to the original novel when it comes to gender, and has been gender-blind in its casting.

However, there is one person who is providing the heft in this film – Sir Michael Caine – who will be playing the lads’ leader, Fagin.

From here, things are not quite as simple, as Game of Thrones’ Lena Headey is playing Sikes, the horrific abuser who is described in this film as a “psychopath.”

Rita Ora will be playing Dodge, a version of the Artful Dodger, while Raff Law, the son of actor Jude Law, is playing the title role.

Other stars in the line up include Legends of Tomorrow’s Franz Drameh, who will be playing Batesy, Sophie Simnett as Red and David Walliams as Losberne.

It is also expected that Noel Clarke, one of the producers on the film, will have a role in the movie.

Oone role which is yet to be discussed is that of Nancy, meaning perhaps Twist’s love interest may be something a little different in the upcoming movie.

At present, it is not clear whether this is an intentional choice, or whether the role of Nancy is yet to be announced.

However, with Ora portraying Dodge, it could be that a love affair is going to take place between a different duo – Twist and Dodge.

Another option could be that Headey’s Sikes is more than just a businesswoman – but also a seductress who attempts to lure Twist into her confidences.

Of course, fans will just have to wait and see whether any of these things take place – or if Nancy is set to turn up at some point.

What is the plot of Twist?

According to Sky Cinema, who are involved in the production of the movie, the synopsis reads: “Twist is a modern interpretation of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist in which Oliver is 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 (Ora) sees Twist (Law) caught up in a high stakes heist to steal a priceless painting for master thief, Fagin (Caine), and his psychopathic business partner, Sikes (Headey).”

Clearly this film will diverge from the original text, though some elements are yet to be revealed.

Another film of the same name was released in Canada not too long ago, starring Terminator 3 star Nick Stahl.

In this version, Oliver and Dodge became romantically involved – at least Oliver was keen to get close to his mentor – while they were caught up in the world of prostitution and drug abuse.

While this movie is not expected to be as dark, it may be that these two modern tales share some similarities, at least with the Artful Dodger’s renaming.

Fans may not know too much about this film at the moment, but as filming continues new elements will likely be revealed.

Twist is expected to be in cinemas in 2020