Paramount+ Unveils New Treasure Island Adaptation with All-Star Cast
Paramount+ has officially announced the development of a thrilling new six-part period adventure drama based on Robert Louis Stevenson's iconic 18th-century novel, Treasure Island. This ambitious series promises to bring a fresh and contemporary edge to one of literature's most enduring tales of piracy and adventure.
A Bold Reimagining for a New Generation
The upcoming swashbuckling drama is being penned by acclaimed writer Robert Murphy, known for his work on Vera and Shetland. Described as a bold, high-stakes coming-of-age adventure, the series aims to captivate a new generation of viewers with its atmospheric storytelling and emotional depth.
The logline for the adaptation reveals a narrative that charts the transformation of teenager Jim Hawkins from a sheltered boy to an emboldened young pirate. When Jim acquires a legendary treasure map, his mother Bess's decisive actions place them both in grave danger, setting the stage for a perilous voyage aboard The Hispaniola.
Star-Studded Ensemble Cast Announced
The series will feature an impressive ensemble cast led by Hollywood stars David Oyelowo and Hayley Atwell. Oyelowo will portray the charming yet terrifying pirate Long John Silver, while Atwell takes on the role of Jim's mother, Bess Hawkins.
Young adventurer Jim Hawkins will be portrayed by Tom Sweet, who previously appeared as Young Pip in the 2023 miniseries adaptation of Great Expectations. Additional cast members include Jack Huston from Boardwalk Empire as the debonair British agent Aaron Graham, and Tomer Capone from The Boys as Billy Bones.
Production and Creative Team Details
Production on Treasure Island commenced this month, with episodes directed by a talented trio of filmmakers: Jeremy Lovering of Slow Horses fame, William McGregor known for The Buccaneers, and Paul Walker from Shameless. The series will be set across various locations including the Atlantic, a Caribbean on the brink of revolution, and the terrifying Skeleton Island.
Sebastian Cardwell, Paramount's Deputy Chief Content Officer for the UK, praised the adaptation as a bold reimagining that brings fresh emotional depth to Stevenson's classic. Meanwhile, Michael Wright, global head of MGM+, described it as a perfect expression of the MGM+ brand, blending classic Hollywood storytelling with contemporary appeal.
Release and Distribution Plans
The series will be released exclusively on Paramount+ in the UK and Ireland, while audiences in the United States will be able to watch it on MGM+. Although a specific release date has not yet been announced, anticipation is building for this high-profile adaptation that promises to test themes of resilience, loyalty, and identity against a backdrop of shifting alliances and multiplying secrets.
