From Initial Hesitation to Electric Connection

Mitchell, 32, recounted the early days of production, explaining that her initial meeting with Brodie-Sangster was brief. “I didn’t know Thomas well before filming. I had just finished another project in the United States and flew over for a single day of rehearsals after learning I’d booked the role,” she shared. “Our first scene together was quite intimate – it involved my character taking off a dress.”

This initial encounter, however, didn’t immediately translate to on-screen magic. Mitchell jokingly admitted, “Thomas and Maia had zero chemistry at first! He’s incredibly handsome and a true gentleman, but I initially felt a bit intimidated. I wondered if he thought I was too loud, constantly talking when he only spoke when necessary.”

The turning point arrived during that first scene. “The moment he fully embodied Dodger, everything shifted. It became palpable,” Mitchell recalled. “I looked at our showrunner, James McNamara, and knew we were on the right track. It’s remarkable how transforming into a character can unlock a connection you didn’t anticipate. Thomas is a phenomenal actor – generous, kind, and simply the best.”

A Dickensian Romance Complicated by Desire

The Artful Dodger reimagines Charles Dickens’ classic Oliver Twist, transporting the narrative to the 1850s. The series follows Jack Dawkins (Brodie-Sangster), a former Royal Navy surgeon attempting to establish a legitimate medical practice, and his burgeoning romance with Belle (Mitchell), the governor’s daughter. Season two introduces a significant wrinkle: Inspector Henry Boxer (Luke Bracey), creating a compelling love triangle.

Mitchell praised the nuanced approach to the love triangle, stating, “What I appreciate about Boxer, and Luke’s portrayal, is that he isn’t simply presented as an antagonist. This season avoids tired tropes, offering a rich and complex exploration of these characters. It’s a character-driven story with genuine depth.”

Belle finds herself torn between two very different men. “Boxer is the antithesis of Jack. Where Jack embodies passion, fireworks, and a tumultuous connection, Boxer offers calm, sensibility, and intellectual equality. He also carries a heartbreaking backstory,” Mitchell explained. “Luke portrays that fragility beautifully, making it easy to understand why Belle might be drawn to a simpler, more comfortable life. Of course, Jack feels deeply threatened by this.”

Did You Know?: The series deliberately avoids portraying the new character as a villain, opting instead for a complex exploration of attraction and compatibility.

Mitchell emphasized Belle’s agency in navigating these romantic complexities. “It’s empowering to see Belle truly prioritize herself this season, carefully considering her options and making autonomous choices. She’s not simply a pawn in a romantic game.”

Looking Ahead: Will There Be a Season Three?

The second season concludes with a hopeful yet definitive note, leaving fans eager for more. Mitchell expressed her enthusiasm for a potential third season. “The wait for season two felt incredibly long, so we’re thrilled to be back,” she said. “Returning to the characters wasn’t daunting; the sets and costumes immediately immerse you in the world. The break was beneficial, allowing me to explore a different nuance in Belle’s portrayal, particularly with the dialect coaching and physicality. Hopefully, we’ll get a season three, and the wait won’t be as lengthy.”

Pro Tip:

What do you think Belle will choose – the passionate intensity of Jack or the steady comfort of Boxer? And how will Jack react if he loses Belle’s affections?

Frequently Asked Questions About ‘The Artful Dodger’

• What is ‘The Artful Dodger’ about?

  The Artful Dodger is a sequel to Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, following Jack Dawkins as he attempts to establish himself as a doctor in the 1850s while navigating a complex romance with Belle.

• Where can I stream ‘The Artful Dodger’?

  You can currently stream The Artful Dodger exclusively on Hulu.

• Is there a love triangle in season two of ‘The Artful Dodger’?

  Yes, season two introduces Inspector Henry Boxer, creating a compelling love triangle between Jack, Belle, and Boxer.

• What did Maia Mitchell say about her initial chemistry with Thomas Brodie-Sangster?

  Maia Mitchell revealed that she and Thomas Brodie-Sangster initially had “zero chemistry” but that it quickly developed once they both fully embraced their characters.

• Will there be a season three of ‘The Artful Dodger’?

  As of February 2026, the future of The Artful Dodger remains uncertain, but Maia Mitchell has expressed hope for a third season.