Ice Cube has been cast as orphan gang leader Fagin in a forthcoming Disney adaptation of Oliver Twist, according to reports.

Hamilton director Thomas Kail and Wicked’s Marc Platt will produce the musical alongside Cube, according to the Hollywood Reporter, in a modern take on Charles Dickens classic that’s said to span many genres, including hip hop.

Disney’s animated Oliver and Company was released in 1988 but the classic book is probably best known from its Oliver! stage adaptation as well as the numerous films it’s spawned.

Ron Moody as Fagin during rehearsals for the 1985 Royal Variety Performance in London.
Ron Moody was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of Fagin in the 1968 film (PA)

We’re sure you already know but Oliver Twist centres around a young orphan child labourer in Victorian England who’s taken under Fagin’s wing into a gang of pickpockets.

With well-known characters like the Artful Dodger, Bill Sikes and Nancy, and big names already on board, the film has the potential to be huge.

Given that Cube’s version has been described as a “modern take”, the Disney Studios-backed movie looks certain to be interesting.