David Walliams is set to appear alongside Michael Caine and an all-star cast in a new film version of Oliver Twist.
Twist stars Sir Michael Caine (The Dark Knight trilogy) alongside Lena Headey (Game of Thrones), actress and singer Rita Ora, David Walliams (Little Britain), Franz Drameh (Legends of Tomorrow), Sophie Simnett (Daybreak) and newcomer Raff Law in the title role. It will be available on Sky Cinema on the same day as its theatrical release.
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). Drameh will play Batesey, Simnett will play Red and Walliams will play Losberne.
Sir Michael Caine said: “Fagin is such an infamous character, it’s going to be great fun playing him. I’m really looking forward to working with Lena, Raff and the rest of the cast in London when we start shooting.”
Lena Headey commented: “I couldn’t be more excited to take on the iconic character of Sikes from Oliver Twist. Flipping roles without apology or character softening is a brilliant way to breathe new life into established materials and bring it to new audiences.”
Raff Law added: 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.”
Sarah Wright, Director of Sky Cinema and Acquisitions at Sky UK & Ireland, commented: “Twist is Dickens’ classic tale as you’ve never seen it before. Daring, modern and packed full of the greatest British talent, this co-production demonstrates Sky’s ambition for original films. I can’t wait for our customers to see it. “
Twist is Directed by Martin Owen (Killers Anonymous, The Intergalactic Adventures of Max Cloud) and produced by Unstoppable Film and TV, Posterity Pictures and Puregrass Films. Twist is written by John Wrathall (The Liability) with additional writing by Sally Collett and Martin Owen (The Intergalactic Adventures of Max Cloud). Producers are Matt Williams, Ben Grass, Jason Maza and Noel Clarke. Financiers include Magna Entertainment Capital, Blue Rider and Lipsync Productions. International sales are with Arclight Films. The film goes into production in London this autumn.
