It is one of the most filmed stories of all, but there are always ways to retell it. Now two streaming competitors have even joined forces for a new series.
Next to “The Curious Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” “Treasure Island” is probably the most famous work by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson. There are already over twenty adaptations for film and television. But those are not enough – at least for the streaming services Paramount+ and MGM+. They are now working together on a new “Treasure Island” series.
Filming is already underway and top-class stars such as David Oyelowo, Jack Huston and Marvel heroine Hayley Atwell are in front of the camera.
“Treasure Island”: An adventure that shaped pirate mythology
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The novel, first published in 1883, tells the story of young Jim Hawkins, who finds a treasure map and sets off on a dangerous sea voyage with shady characters, including the notorious pirate Long John Silver.
Stevenson’s story is considered one of the greatest adventure novels of all time. Many of today’s typical pirate elements – from treasure maps with cross-marked Like the original work, the new series should not only offer this aspect, but also be a classic coming-of-age story about a boy who has to grow up quickly if he wants to brave the new dangers.
Roles of the stars show: It will be a modern adaptation with changes
With the announcement of the project, it was not only revealed that “Selma” star David Oyelowo The pirate Long John Silver and young actor Tom Sweet (“Great Expectations”) Jim Hawkins will portray. Still the focus Hayley Atwell (“Agent Carter”) as Jim’s mother Bess as well Jack Huston (“Boardwalk Empire”) as a charming but shady British agent named Aaron Graham.
This shows that the material is also subjected to some changes. In the novel, Jim’s mother only plays a small role at the beginning, but here she is probably part of the entire adventure. The British agent Graham, meanwhile, is a completely new character who will probably act as an adversary to Long John Silver.
A material that is told again and again
It is obvious that you want to change something. After all, as already mentioned at the beginning, “Treasure Island” is one of the most filmed literary works of all. Since the early 20th century, the book has spawned dozens of film and TV adaptations – from silent films to the legendary Disney version from the 1950s (see our article image) to several TV productions on major networks, including a BBC version from the 1970s and a 2012 British miniseries starring Eddie Izzard as Long John Silver. There are also more creative reinterpretations such as a “Muppets” variant.
The creator Robert Murphy (“Vera”) and the directors Jeremy Lovering (“Slow Horses”), William McGregor (“The Buccaneers”) and Paul Walker (“Shameless”), who are responsible for the new series, certainly want to stand out.
Two competitors pulling together
The fact that the series is a major undertaking is evident from the fact that it is not based on a streaming service, but rather two actual competitors are joining forces: Paramount+ and the provider MGM+, which is part of Amazon. The deal will see Paramount+ release the new series in the UK and Ireland, while MGM+ will release it in the US. Separate distribution agreements will be concluded for the rest of the world. In Germany, “Treasure Island” could appear on one of the two services or somewhere else entirely.
A publication is expected in 2027. By the way, a “Game Of Thrones” movie is also in the works. There is more about this in the following article:
“Game Of Thrones” movie is coming – as gigantic as “Dune” and from an “Andor” maker
