Disney plans to film a new version of the classic tale Oliver Twist. While that won’t make you do a morning spittake of your coffee, Ice Cube as Fagin might just. That’s right, the man who sung the words “a crazy motherf*8ker named Ice Cube” will be appearing in a Disney film.Most noteworthy, Hamilton director Thomas Kail will attempt to bring some of the magic he sprinkled on Hamilton to Oliver Twist.
Disney execs are pulling out all the stops for the production. Ice Cube will be producing the film along with Marc Platt and Jeff Kwatinetz. Via the Hollywood Reporter
“Marc Platt, the veteran movie producer who also was .behind Broadway’s hit musical Wicked, and Jeff Kwatinetz of The Firm are producing. Cube also will produce via his Cube Vision banner.”
Despite its age, Oliver Twist remains one of Charles Dickens most famous and loved works. It tells the story of an orphan boy who moves from a life as an exploited child laborer to being under the wings of Fagin, a leader of a gang of London pickpockets. Hardship, murders and secrets waiting to be revealed follow the boy. In 1988, it was first adopted for the screen as an animated movie. As well, Ice Cube will lend his writing talents to the project according to AV Club. The site reveals that the classic story will feature a modern updating.
“As if that weren’t enough to ensure that the updated version of Dickens’ novel “[crosses] many genres, including hip-hop,” Ice Cube will also be on hand to play Fagin, the leader of a gang of pickpockets. Thomas Kail, fresh off of helming Grease Live!, will direct the new Oliver Twist musical, which already sounds leagues away from Lionel Bart’s 1960 musical Oliver! and its film adaptation.”
The Ice Cube Effect
In conclusion, it must be noted, Ice Cube continues defying expectations. His commitment to film cannot be questioned. While not everyone will be fans of the property or the actor, one thing is definite. Ice Cube takes risks. In today’s Hollywood, that is uncommon.
