A REMAKE of classic film Oliver! is in the works — with bosses desperate for it not to be a woke bore like the last rehash.
Theatre legend Sir Cameron Mackintosh is working on the project, with Hollywood stars Paul Mescal and Florence Pugh tipped for key roles.
Pop star Rita Ora as child pickpocket the Artful Dodger in Sky’s 2021 Oliver! remake[/caption]
A source said: “Sir Cameron is really keen for a new version of Oliver! to finally happen.
“It’s early days but talks are very much ongoing. At the centre of them is the feeling that if it’s done, it must be done right.
“The last thing anyone wants is the classic film to be tarnished by a woke Hollywood remake. The less said about Sky’s Twist, the better.”
In 2021 Sky was slammed for its disastrous adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist.
It starred pop star Rita Ora as child pickpocket the Artful Dodger and actress Lena Headey as Sikes — who is a man in the book.
The latest film plan comes following the success of 78-year-old Sir Cameron’s stage show in London’s West End.
It opened at the Gielgud Theatre in January with bookings being taken until the end of March next year.
The 1968 musical film starred Mark Lester as Oliver, Ron Moody as Fagin, the leader of the gang of pickpockets, and Jack Wild as the Artful Dodger.
It was nominated for 11 Academy Awards and won six — including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Score.
The film also won two Golden Globes, including one for Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy and Best Actor, for Ron Moody.
Hollywood stars Paul Mescal and Florence Pugh are tipped for key roles[/caption]