The Artful Dodger Season 2 Production Wrap Confirmed: What We Know About the Return to Disney Plus
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The highly anticipated second season of the hit Australian original series, The Artful Dodger, has reached a significant milestone: production has officially wrapped. This update brings the historical crime drama one step closer to its debut on Disney Plus. Set in the dynamic and dangerous world of 1850s Australia, the series serves as a captivating sequel, exploring the life of Jack Dawkins, better known as the titular Artful Dodger, 15 years after the events detailed in Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist. The upcoming season promises to delve deeper into the life of the reformed surgeon as his criminal past inevitably resurfaces, forcing him back into the shadows he desperately tried to escape.
This Australian production has garnered significant attention, with the first season already having demonstrated critical success, earning a nomination for seven prestigious awards at the AACTA Awards. As fans eagerly await news of the premiere date, the recent wrap confirmation allows for a closer look at the returning and new cast members, the setting, and the talented production team steering the ship for The Artful Dodger Season 2.
Unpacking the Drama: The Artful Dodger’s Relapse
The central narrative of The Artful Dodger Season 2 hinges on the inescapable weight of Jack Dawkins' history. We find Jack Dawkins in 1850s Australia, a setting that provides a rich backdrop for drama and intrigue. Having supposedly left behind his life of pick-pocketing and thievery, Dawkins transitioned into the respected, if perhaps still complicated, career of a surgeon. However, the sources confirm that his past is not ready to let him go, as his old life “returns to haunt him”. This compelling hook suggests that the audience will witness Dawkins’ complex navigation back into the world of crime.
The character dynamics established in the first season are crucial, especially the relationship between Dawkins and the formidable Lady Belle Fox. The series excels at blending high-stakes surgical drama with the gritty reality of colonial Australian crime, all while incorporating characters familiar to readers of Victorian literature. The continuation of this story, centered on Dawkins’ inevitable move back into criminality, assures viewers a continuation of the dramatic tension that defined the first season.
A Legacy of Critical Success
The series, which is available to stream globally on Disney+ and on Hulu and Hulu On Disney+ in the United States, established itself quickly as a quality drama. The recognition of its achievement is highlighted by the fact that the first season received seven nominations at the AACTA Awards. This critical praise suggests a high bar has been set for The Artful Dodger Season 2 in terms of writing, production values, and performance. The expectation is that the forthcoming season will build upon this foundation of success, offering an even more intricate look at Jack Dawkins’ life as the line between his surgical duties and his criminal instincts blurs.
Production Milestones: Filming Wraps in Sydney
The journey of bringing The Artful Dodger Season 2 to the screen was based entirely in Australia. Filming officially began earlier in 2025 in Sydney, Australia. The sources indicate that location work included Callan Park in Sydney, utilizing the rich historical architecture of the city to bring the 1850s setting to life.
The exciting news of the production wrap was announced on June 13, 2025, by Disney, and further confirmed just days later by an Instagram post from Disney+ Australia on June 16, 2025. This relatively rapid turnaround from the start of filming to the production wrapping suggests a focused and efficient creative endeavor.
The series is supported by a robust creative team. Curio Pictures’ Jo Porter and Rachel Gardner served as Executive Producer/Producers, with Cameron Welsh stepping in as Series Producer. The co-creators of the series are James McNamara, David Maher, and David Taylor, with McNamara also serving as a Co-Creator/Executive Producer. Directorial duties for The Artful Dodger Season 2 were handled by Ben Young, Gracie Otto, and Ben Lucas. Gracie Otto’s involvement is a continuation, as she was also a director on the first season of the show. This experienced team is tasked with maintaining the unique tone and quality that earned the series its initial acclaim.
Casting the Crook and the Crown: Returning and New Faces
The success of The Artful Dodger heavily relies on its stellar cast, and fans will be pleased to know that many favorite faces are confirmed to return for Season 2.
The core trio remains intact, anchored by Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Jack Dawkins, also known as The Artful Dodger. Brodie-Sangster’s portrayal of the dual-life surgeon navigating respectability and criminal enterprise is central to the show’s appeal. Joining him is the prolific David Thewlis as Fagin. Fagin, the infamous mastermind from Oliver Twist, acts as a looming figure in Dawkins' life, and his return is essential for the drama. Completing the main cast is Maia Mitchell as the formidable Lady Belle Fox.
Familiar Faces Return to Cause Trouble
The world of colonial Australian society and its criminal underbelly is fleshed out by an impressive ensemble of returning talent:
• Susie Porter returns as the formidable Lady Jane Fox.
• Damien Garvey reprises his role as Governor Fox.
• The devious Darius Cracksworth, played by Tim Minchin, is also set to return.
• Lucy-Rose Leonard is back as Lady Fanny Fox.
• In the medical world, Nicholas Burton returns as Dr Sneed and Kim Gyngell as The Prof.
• Luke Carroll and Vivienne Awosoga continue their roles maintaining order at the hospital.
• Fagin’s motley crew of thieves will also be back with a bang, including Aljin Abella, Brigid Zengeni, and Albert Latailakepa.
Introducing Fresh Talent to The Artful Dodger
To inject new energy into the second season, several established actors are joining the cast. Newcomers to the series include Luke Bracey, known for roles in Elvis and Hacksaw Ridge, Jeremy Sims, known for Mr Inbetween and as the director of Last Cab to Darwin, and Zac Burgess, who has starred in Cruel Intentions and Boy Swallows Universe. The introduction of these new talents promises fresh conflicts and engaging dynamics as Jack Dawkins grapples with his return to a life of crime.
Streaming Status and Anticipated Release
While the announcement that The Artful Dodger Season 2 Production Wrap has occurred is certainly exciting, a definitive release date has not yet been provided by Disney.
For those who need to catch up or refresh their memory of the seven-time AACTA Award-nominated first season, it is currently available to stream globally on Disney+. In the United States, the series can also be viewed on Hulu and Hulu On Disney+.
Fans worldwide must now patiently await the official scheduling announcement from the streaming platform. Given the high profile of the Australian original series and the clear indication that production is complete, updates are expected to follow in the coming months as the show enters its post-production phase.
🔖 Key Takeaways
🗝️ Production Complete: Filming for The Artful Dodger Season 2 officially wrapped in June 2025 in Sydney, Australia.
🗝️ Plot Focus: The new season is set 15 years after Oliver Twist in 1850s Australia and focuses on Jack Dawkins' (The Artful Dodger) involuntary return to the world of crime despite his current status as a surgeon.
🗝️ Star-Studded Cast: Key stars Thomas Brodie-Sangster, David Thewlis, and Maia Mitchell are all returning, alongside fan-favorites like Tim Minchin and Susie Porter.
🗝️ New Faces: The cast is expanded with new talent, including Luke Bracey, Jeremy Sims, and Zac Burgess.
🗝️ Critical Acclaim: The series is highly regarded, with Season 1 nominated for seven AACTA Awards.
🗝️ Streaming Status: Season 1 is currently available on Disney+ worldwide (and Hulu/Hulu On Disney+ in the US), but the release date for Season 2 has not yet been announced.
🌐 External sources
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