Amazon’s MGM+ and Paramount+ have ordered a new six-part adventure series based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel Treasure Island, with David Oyelowo cast as the infamous pirate Long John Silver, a character known for contributing to the image of the pirate in popular culture as we know it today.
The series features a cast that also includes Hayley Atwell, Jack Huston, Tomer Capone, and Tom Sweet. Production on the series has already begun.
Treasure Island will premiere on MGM+ in the United States and on Paramount+ in the UK and Ireland. Global distribution outside those territories will be handled by FIFTH SEASON.
Classic Story Reimagined For Television
The new series reimagines Stevenson’s iconic adventure, focusing on the coming-of-age journey of Jim Hawkins.
The story follows Jim as he transforms from a sheltered teenager into a young pirate after discovering a legendary treasure map. His mother, Bess Hawkins, makes a decisive move that leaves Jim holding dangerous knowledge tied to the treasure.
Their path leads them aboard the ship Hispaniola, where they cross paths with the cunning pirate Long John Silver and the manipulative British agent Aaron Graham.
As alliances shift and secrets unfold, Jim must navigate a deadly voyage across the Atlantic and into the Caribbean.
The story culminates with the search for fortune on the infamous Skeleton Island.
Cast
The Treasure Island cast includes David Oyelowo as Long John Silver, Hayley Atwell as Bess Hawkins, Jack Huston as Aaron Graham, Tomer Capone as Billy Bones, and Tom Sweet as Jim Hawkins.
The series brings together actors known for projects such as Selma, Marvel’s Agent Carter, Boardwalk Empire, The Boys, and Great Expectations.
Creative Team Behind The Series
Treasure Island was created for television by Robert Murphy, known for Vera and Shetland.
The series will be directed by Jeremy Lovering, William McGregor, and Paul Walker. Mark Hedges serves as producer.
Executive producers include David Stern, Scott Huff, Colin Callender, Daniel Gratton, Robert Murphy, and Jeremy Lovering.
Production comes from Playground in association with MGM+ and Paramount+, with filming services in Spain provided by Ánima Stillking.
Treasure Island: The Original 1883 Edition With Complete Illustrations
(A Robert Louis Stevenson Classic Novel)
Paramount+ And MGM+ Executive Comments
Paramount+ UK’s Deputy Chief Content Officer Sebastian Cardwell described the series as a bold reimagining of Stevenson’s story that adds emotional depth while staying true to the classic adventure.
“Treasure Island is a bold and atmospheric reimagining of a story that has captivated audiences for generations,” said Cardwell. “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 U.S. and beyond.”
MGM+ global head Michael Wright said the series reflects the brand’s focus on classic Hollywood storytelling adapted for modern audiences, highlighting the ensemble cast and the scale of the production.
“This thrilling new adaptation of Stevenson’s classic adventure Treasure Island is a perfect expression of the MGM+ brand,” said Wright. “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 executives David Stern and Scott Huff added that the series aims to deliver a high-stakes adventure that remains faithful to the themes of the original novel while bringing new surprises to viewers.
“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,” they said. “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.”
Treasure Island is currently in production and will stream exclusively on MGM+ in the United States and Paramount+ in the UK and Ireland.
