There have been countless adaptations of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic pirate adventure over the years, but now ‘Treasure Island’ is getting a bold new six-part reinvention for Paramount+ in the UK and Ireland, and MGM+ in the United States. And this one is packing serious star power.
Leading the charge is David Oyelowo (Selma, Silo) as the legendary Long John Silver, alongside Hayley Atwell (Marvel’s Agent Carter, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning) as Bess Hawkins. They’re joined by Jack Huston (Boardwalk Empire, Day of the Fight) as Aaron Graham, Tomer Capone (The Boys, Fauda) as Billy Bones, and Tom Sweet (Great Expectations, The Childhood of a Leader) as Jim Hawkins.
Produced by Playground and created for television by Robert Murphy (Vera, Shetland), the series promises a high-stakes coming-of-age adventure that reframes the familiar tale for a new generation. This version tracks Jim’s journey from sheltered teenager to emboldened young pirate after he gets hold of a legendary treasure map. His mother Bess plays a far more active role here, her decisive actions placing them both in mortal danger as they board The Hispaniola.
Caught between the magnetic menace of Long John Silver and the polished duplicity of British agent Aaron Graham, Jim is forced to grow up fast. Alliances shift. Secrets multiply. The Caribbean simmers on the brink of revolution. And Skeleton Island waits like a nightmare at the edge of the map. It sounds like the sort of swashbuckling drama that leans into character as much as spectacle.
Behind the camera, Jeremy Lovering (Slow Horses, The One), William McGregor (The Buccaneers, Lockwood & Co., His Dark Materials) and Paul Walker (Shameless, Riviera, Hunting Alice) share directing duties, with Mark Hedges producing. Executive producers include David Stern, Scott Huff, Colin Callender and Daniel Gratton for Playground, alongside Murphy and Lovering.
Sebastian Cardwell, Paramount’s Deputy Chief Content Officer in the UK, said:
“TREASURE ISLAND is a bold and atmospheric reimagining of a story that has captivated audiences for generations. This adaptation brings fresh emotional depth and a striking contemporary edge to Stevenson’s classic. We’re thrilled to be partnering with Playground and MGM+ to bring this richly cinematic adventure to audiences in the UK and Ireland, the US and beyond.”
Michael Wright, global head of MGM+, added:
“This thrilling new adaptation of Stevenson’s classic adventure Treasure Island is a perfect expression of the MGM+ brand. It is a classic Hollywood storytelling crafted for a contemporary audience, brought to life with an extraordinary ensemble cast led by David Oyelowo, Hayley Atwell, Jack Huston, Tomer Capone, and Tom Sweet. Robert Murphy’s fresh take on Stevenson’s classic captures the timeless themes of the beloved story, and we are delighted to partner with Playground and our colleagues at Paramount+ UK and Ireland on this ambitious adventure.”
Playground’s joint Managing Directors David Stern and Scott Huff commented:
“TREASURE ISLAND is an epic, high-stakes adventure with timeless themes of conquest, greed, and coming of age. Robert Murphy has written something that is, in equal measure, surprising, entertaining, and true to the original novel. The extraordinary cast and crew who have joined us are a testament to his brilliant scripts and to the powerful hold the original story has had on generations of readers. We’re incredibly grateful to our partners at MGM+, Paramount+, and FIFTH SEASON for their support of our vision for the series.”
Kate Laffey, SVP Acquisitions at FIFTH SEASON, added:
“TREASURE ISLAND takes a story beloved by international audiences and delivers a fresh and inventive series that stays close to the iconic tale at its heart. We’re excited to partner with celebrated creative powerhouse Playground for the first time on a visually and emotionally compelling narrative anchored by an acclaimed ensemble cast that gives this thrilling escapade through the seas huge global appeal.”
Production began this month, with FIFTH SEASON handling global distribution outside the UK, Ireland and US.
‘Treasure Island’ does not yet have a premiere date but will air on Paramount+ in the UK and MGM+ in the USA. If you want to keep track of this or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date. Visit Never Miss: https://www.geektown.co.uk/nevermiss/
Photos provided by Paramount UK – Credits: David Oyelowo – Misan Harriman, Hayley Atwell – Faye Thomas, Jack Huston – Raul Romo, Tomer Capone – Mor Anucov, Tom Sweet – Lucy Hurley.
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