Hugh Jackman and Ridley Scott Set Sail for a New 'Treasure Island' Movie

The announcement of Ridley Scott directing Hugh Jackman as Long John Silver in a new 'Treasure Island' adaptation has generated considerable buzz. Robert Louis Stevenson's 1883 novel practically invented many of the pirate tropes we recognize today, from treasure maps with 'X' marks the spot to one-legged captains and parrots. Its narrative, following young Jim Hawkins' perilous journey to find buried treasure and his fraught relationship with the enigmatic Silver, has been adapted countless times across film and television, including 'Muppet Treasure Island' and the animated sci-fi 'Treasure Planet' (2002).

This new 'take' from Scott Free, produced by Scott and Michael Pruss, with a script from Jack Thorne, aims to deliver a fresh perspective. Scott's filmography, marked by breathtaking visuals and intricate storytelling, suggests a 'Treasure Island' that could blend epic scale with psychological depth, particularly given Jackman's casting as the charismatic yet treacherous antagonist. Jackman's previous villainous turn as Blackbeard in 'Pan' showcased his capacity for portraying complex antagonists, making him an exciting choice for Silver.

Interestingly, despite Scott's upcoming film 'The Dog Stars' being released by 20th Century (a Disney division), Disney reportedly passed on the 'Treasure Island' package. The reason cited was Disney's ongoing prioritization of its 'Pirates of the Caribbean' franchise, seeking to avoid direct competition within its own studio ecosystem. This decision, however, leaves the door open for other major studios currently vying for the project, signaling a potentially intense bidding war for this high-profile production. The enduring popularity of pirate stories, coupled with modern storytelling techniques, could see this adaptation captivate audiences globally.

Sources

Hugh Jackman is attached to play the iconic pirate Long John Silver.

Legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott is set to direct the project.

Disney is focusing on its 'Pirates of the Caribbean' franchise and opted not to develop a competing pirate-themed project internally.

It's described as a 'new take' on Stevenson's classic, brought to life by Ridley Scott's directorial vision and Jack Thorne's screenplay, with Hugh Jackman in a key role, suggesting a fresh approach to the familiar story.

What are your expectations for Ridley Scott's 'Treasure Island' with Hugh Jackman as Long John Silver? Do you think this classic tale needs a modern retelling, or do you prefer the older adaptations? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!

Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this exciting film news on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, and Reddit!