Re-imaginings and literary adaptations have become Hollywood’s bread and butter, and it doesn’t appear that trend will be slowing down anytime soon as Sony is updating the classic Charles Dickens’ tale Oliver Twist into a more adventurous story titled Dodge and Twist.
Dodge and Twist will feature characters from the original story, but will likely look very different from any adaptation of the novel we’ve seen before. The story takes place 20 years after the events of Oliver Twist, and features Oliver and Artful Dodger on opposite sides of the law, embroiled in an affair to steal the Crown Jewels.
The project is based on an idea by Ahmet Zappa and not on the book of the same name by Tony Lee. Lee’s graphic novel is set 12 years after Oliver Twist as opposed to 20 and revolves around Oliver being forced to assist the Artful Dodger in stealing in the Koh-I-Noor diamond from the Great Exhibition of 1851. Lee’s book was never published, but it was released as an ebook.
If you think the two stories sounds similar, you aren’t alone. Lee took to Twitter to express his displeasure at not being credited and reveal that he met with Zappa about the idea in 2008. Check out some of his tweets below.
Apparently the Hollywood Reporter @THR even goes so far to name check me saying its NOT based on my DODGE & TWIST story.
— Tony Lee (@mrtonylee) February 12, 2013
Apparently they’re now 20 years older, not 12, and it’s a heist for CROWN JEWELS not Queen Victoria’s diamond. So TOTALLY different.
— Tony Lee (@mrtonylee) February 12, 2013
@AhmetZappa so, I’m in LA this week. I think we should meet and talk, don’t you? Or do you want me to get representatives on this instead?
— Tony Lee (@mrtonylee) February 12, 2013
I don’t want money, I don’t want fame. But at least an ‘Inspired By’ in the credits would be nice 🙂
— Tony Lee (@mrtonylee) February 12, 2013
It’ll be interesting to see if any legal action is taken by Lee, because it definitely sounds like he has ground for some compensation, especially if the film does get made. Then again, the characters are now public domain, so the subtle differences may be enough in the eyes of a court.
Cole Haddon, the creator of the NBC’s upcoming Dracula show, is writing the script, with Matt Tolmach and Zappa producing.
What do you think of Dodge and Twist? Do agree with Lee that his graphic novel was ripped off? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.