Ridley Scott is set to direct a new adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, featuring Hugh Jackman as the legendary pirate Long John Silver. According to Deadline, the project includes a script by Jack Thorne, with Scott and Michael Pruss producing for Scott Free. The package is currently shopping to major studios.
Why is this Treasure Island adaptation hitting the market now?
The project, which arrived on the market this week, represents a fresh take on the 1883 classic. The narrative follows a young boy who discovers a map leading to buried treasure, triggering a sea voyage and a high-stakes battle of wits against Long John Silver. While 20th Century—Scott’s frequent studio partner—reviewed the package, they passed on the opportunity. According to Deadline, this decision stemmed from the studio’s existing priority of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise under its parent company, Disney, which sought to avoid a competing pirate-themed project.
How does this production compare to past iterations?
This project joins a long history of adaptations for the Stevenson novel. A notable example is the 2002 film Treasure Planet, directed by John Musker and Ron Clements. Unlike the upcoming Scott-Jackman production, Treasure Planet moved the story into a science fiction setting. That version featured Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Jim Hawkins, Brian Murray as Long John Silver, Martin Short as Ben, and Emma Thompson as Captain Amelia.
Production and Representation Details
The creative team behind the new Treasure Island includes writer Jack Thorne, who also serves as an executive producer. The talent involved is represented by major agencies: Jackman is repped by WME and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern; Scott is repped by CAA; and Thorne is repped by UTA, Casarotto Ramsay & Associates, and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is playing Long John Silver? Hugh Jackman is attached to play the iconic pirate.
- Who is directing the new Treasure Island? Ridley Scott is confirmed to direct the adaptation.
- Why did 20th Century pass on the project? The studio declined because it wanted to avoid competing with its own Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
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