The Artful Dodger Season 2: Everything We Know About the February 2026 Release on Disney+ and Hulu
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The high-stakes world of historical drama and thrilling deception is set for a dramatic return, as the Australian Disney+ original series, The Artful Dodger, gears up for its second season. Following its critically successful debut in 2023, the series, which is a gory, intricate, romantic, and action-packed sequel to Charles Dickens’ timeless novel Oliver Twist, proved popular enough with global audiences and critics to dodge cancellation and earn a second season renewal. The show boasts a near-perfect 92% critics' score and 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, signaling its impact as a must-watch for fans of Dickens and historical dramas. After a significant wait, the biggest update yet has been confirmed: The Artful Dodger Season 2 will debut globally on February 10, 2026, with all eight episodes dropping simultaneously on both Disney+ and Hulu. The continuation promises to elevate the already adrenaline-pumping world of Port Victory, Australia, with higher stakes, enhanced production values, and new faces.
High Stakes and Double Lives: Jack Dawkins’ New Troubles
The first season introduced audiences to Dr. Jack Dawkins, played by Thomas Brodie-Sangster, known to literary fans as "The Artful Dodger" from the streets of London. Having traded a life of crime for a burgeoning medical career, Jack is residing in the far-flung penal colony of Port Victory, Australia. However, his past soon caught up with him when Norbert Fagin, played by Harry Potter franchise star David Thewlis, arrived on Australia's shores, ready to disrupt Jack's life and his complicated romance with Lady Belle Fox (Maia Mitchell). Season 1 concluded with both Fagin and Jack incarcerated, and Belle recovering from a life-saving surgery performed by Jack.
The official synopsis for Season 2 immediately establishes that Jack's troubles have escalated dramatically. The Artful Dodger returns, and he is in deep trouble, facing "an appointment with the noose". This imminent threat forces Jack to navigate the world of Port Victory under extraordinary pressure. Adding to the immediate danger is the arrival of a relentless new lawman, Inspector Henry Boxer. If Jack dares to see Lady Belle, the woman he loves, he risks being hanged. The stakes are higher than ever, pushing the series towards even "more thrills, humour, heart, invention and deception".
The Return of Beloved (and Devious) Characters
The core ensemble that captivated audiences in Season 1 is confirmed to return to Port Victory, ready to tackle gruesome surgeries, daring heists, and complex relationships. Thomas Brodie-Sangster, David Thewlis, and Maia Mitchell will reprise their roles as Dr. Jack Dawkins, Norbert Fagin, and Lady Belle Fox, respectively. Fagin, the "crafty" former ringleader, doesn't miss a beat and drags Dodger into what is described as their most dangerous heist yet. Their criminal partnership, built on a foundation of mutual manipulation and complicated loyalty, is clearly still intact.
Several other key returning players include Susie Porter as Lady Jane Fox, Damien Garvey as Governor Fox, and Tim Minchin as the devious Darius Cracksworth. Lucy-Rose Leonard is also back as Lady Fanny Fox, along with Nicholas Burton as Dr Sneed, Kim Gyngell as The Prof, and Luke Carroll returning as Tim Billiberllary. The return of these characters ensures the continuation of the intricate social and criminal webs that defined the first season.
Belle’s Ambition and a Killer on the Loose
While Jack battles the law and his former life, Lady Belle Fox is determined to carve out her own future, specifically in the field of medicine. Belle’s ambition drives her to defy societal expectations and step into danger, with her professional aspirations and her love for Jack already hanging in the balance. This personal journey for Belle adds a layer of depth, ensuring she remains a central figure in the dramatic narrative, not just a romantic interest.
Further complicating the dynamic between Jack and Belle is the introduction of Inspector Henry Boxer. Boxer, Port Victory’s new lawman, is not only hunting Jack but is also explicitly competing with him for Belle’s affection. Luke Bracey joins the cast as Inspector Boxer, a role that promises intense romantic rivalry intertwined with professional opposition. The stakes for all three characters are enormous: Jack faces the gallows, Belle fights for her place in a dangerous new profession, and Boxer is determined to catch his man and win the lady. To cap off the explosive situation, the synopsis reveals that a killer is also loose in Port Victory, adding another element of mystery and peril to the new season.
Production Excellence and Global Success
The show’s return is a testament to its widespread success, both locally in Australia and internationally. Kylie Watson-Wheeler, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand, expressed excitement for the fan-favorite Aussie original's return, highlighting the "more romance, adventure and razor-sharp wit" audiences can expect. She noted that the series is a showcase of high-calibre talent both in front of and behind the camera.
Season 2 was ordered in November 2024 and was filmed in Sydney, Australia. The show is a Disney+ co-production with Curio Pictures, which is owned by Sony Pictures Television. The production team, including executive producers Jo Porter, Rachel Gardner, and co-creator James McNamara, worked to further elevate the show, ensuring intricate new costuming and sets that transport audiences even deeper into the period. New directors for the season include Ben Young, Ben C. Lucas, and Gracie Otto, who also directed in Season 1. The commitment to elevated production values affirms Disney's pride in bringing "quality Australian storytelling to the world stage".
🔖 Key Takeaways
The wait for The Artful Dodger Season 2 is nearly over, with the release confirming an explosive continuation of the historical drama.
🗝️ Official Release Date: All eight episodes of The Artful Dodger Season 2 will drop globally on Disney+ and Hulu on February 10, 2026.
🗝️ Protagonist in Peril: Dr. Jack Dawkins (Thomas Brodie-Sangster) is in deep trouble, potentially facing the noose, and is actively hunted by the new lawman.
🗝️ New Threats and Heists: David Thewlis returns as Norbert Fagin, who immediately drags Jack into their most dangerous heist yet. Luke Bracey joins the cast as Inspector Henry Boxer, who is both Jack's antagonist and his rival for Lady Belle Fox's affections.
🗝️ Lady Belle’s Ambition: Lady Belle Fox (Maia Mitchell) is determined to pursue her medical career, defying expectations and stepping into danger, adding complexity to the central love story.
🗝️ Elevated Production: The series, filmed in Sydney, Australia, promises new locations, intricate costuming, and sets, reflecting its success as a highly celebrated "Aussie Original".
🌐 External sources
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The Artful Dodger Season 2
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