Albert Latailakepa: From Church Carpark to Disney+’s The Artful Dodger

Disney+ is gearing up for a second season of its reimagining of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, The Artful Dodger, with filming set to begin this month. The series, which premiered on November 29, 2023, has already secured a renewal and is adding some fresh faces to its cast alongside returning stars Thomas Brodie-Sangster, David Thewlis, and Maia Mitchell.

The new additions include Australian actors Luke Bracey (known for his roles in Elvis and Hacksaw Ridge), Jeremy Sims (of Mr Inbetween and Last Cab to Darwin fame), and rising talent Zac Burgess (from Cruel Intentions and Boy Swallows Universe). Bracey will portray Inspector Henry Boxer, the new lawman in town with a romantic interest, while Sims will take on the role of Uncle Dickie, the Governor’s charming but potentially dubious brother. Burgess will play Phineas Golden, Uncle Dickie’s assistant.

For New Zealand actor Albert Latailakepa, landing the role of Aputi Savea in the first season was a significant step. He described the experience as “freaking out a little bit” when he secured the part of a “rather comical standover man linked to Fagin’s notorious gang.” Latailakepa, who was zooming in from Wellington, New Zealand, where he was preparing for a collaborative comedy show, D’Things N Such, at the Circa Theatre, spoke fondly of his co-stars, noting they “eased my nerves a bit when I was on set.”

The role marked Latailakepa’s first time traveling to Australia for work, a long-held dream. “A dream of mine has always been to travel for work,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to just stay [living] here in Wellington, and hopefully the work allows me to travel, which it has.” He added with a laugh, “But who knows if I’ll be saying that a bit later on down the line.”

The series’ setting in 1850s Australia, with a storyline following Jack Dawkins – the former “Artful Dodger” – as a surgeon grappling with a past life of crime, presented a unique challenge for Latailakepa. While familiar with Dickens through school, he found himself quickly immersing himself in the world of the author to understand the script and language. “I’d say it eventually did come naturally,” he explained.

Latailakepa’s journey to The Artful Dodger was also inspired by the success of fellow Pasifika actors like Chris Alosio, who has appeared in Australian dramas North Shore and The Messenger, and the 2022 horror film Talk To Me. Alosio, a friend and mentor, represents a shift in representation within the industry. “What’s special is that they’re not leaving their identity behind to do it,” Alosio said of Latailakepa and other Pasifika performers. “They’re taking their culture, values, and stories with them, and that visibility means everything for the next generation coming up.”

Alosio highlighted the importance of having role models and support systems for emerging talent. “We came up in similar spaces, so there was always that shared grounding,” he said. “What I admired most was how proudly he carried where he’s from. Even early on, he was never trying to be anything other than himself, and that authenticity has stayed with him no matter how big the stages have become.”

Latailakepa’s credits also include appearances in the New Zealand series Wellington Paranormal and Warren’s Vortex, demonstrating a commitment to projects both at home and abroad. He attributes his success to following his instincts and pursuing his passions. “If you think that you’ve got a knack for it, then by all means you should go for it,” he advised.

Season two of The Artful Dodger is set to premiere on Disney+ on February 10, 2026. The first season is currently up for seven AACTA Awards, recognizing its creative and production achievements.