Inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s timeless tale, Treasure Island, the six-part series premieres on Paramount+ in the UK. In addition, it premieres on MGM+ in the U.S.
Paramount+ UK & Ireland and MGM+ U.S. today announced the commission of the new original UK adventure series TREASURE ISLAND. The six-part drama brings thrilling new life and a star cast to Robert Louis Stevenson’s 18th-century epic. The cast includes David Oyelowo (Selma, Silo), starring as Long John Silver. Hayley Atwell (Marvel’s Agent Carter, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning) plays Bess Hawkins. Jack Huston (Boardwalk Empire, Day of the Fight) stars as Aaron Graham. In addition, Tomer Capone (The Boys, Fauda) plays Billy Bones. Tom Sweet (Great Expectations, Childhood of a Leader) plays Jim Hawkins.
THE PREMISE
TREASURE ISLAND is a bold, high-stakes coming-of-age adventure series for a new generation. The plot charts the transformation of teenager Jim Hawkins from a sheltered boy to an emboldened young pirate. When Jim gets his hands on a legendary treasure map, his mother Bess’s clever and decisive actions leave him holding valuable knowledge. This puts both of their lives in danger. Sailing aboard The Hispaniola, Jim and Bess are caught between the charming, terrifying pirate Long John Silver.
In addition, they must face the debonair, duplicitous British agent Aaron Graham. As a result, Jim has to grow up fast as he and his mother fight for survival on a voyage where alliances shift, and secrets multiply. Peril closes in from all sides. The story is set across the Atlantic, in the Caribbean, on the brink of revolution and on the terrifying Skeleton Island. The series tracks Jim as he confronts a world far more complex and dangerous than he ever imagined. Here, resilience, loyalty and identity are tested – and fortune is the prize.
BEHIND THE SERIES
TREASURE ISLAND is a Paramount+ and MGM+ Original Series in association with FIFTH SEASON, produced by Playground. Robert Murphy (Vera, Shetland) created the television series, while Jeremy Lovering (Slow Horses, The One), William McGregor (The Buccaneers, Lockwood & Co., His Dark Materials), and Paul Walker (Shameless, Riviera, Hunting Alice Bell) directed it. Mark Hedges took on the role of producer.
The six-part series was commissioned for Paramount+ by Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer, UK, and Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, for Paramount+ UK & Ireland. Michael Wright, global head of MGM+, and Alec Strum, original programming executive, oversee production for MGM+, while David Stern, Scott Huff, Colin Callender and Daniel Gratton executive produce on behalf of Playground. Robert Murphy and Jeremy Lovering also serve as executive producers.
TREASURE ISLAND will premiere on Paramount+ in the UK and Ireland, and on MGM+ in the United States, with FIFTH SEASON handling global distribution outside these territories. Production services in Spain are provided by Ánima Stillking.
SEBASTIAN CARDWELL
Speaking about the new series order, Paramount’s Deputy Chief Content Officer, UK, Sebastian Cardwell, said:
“TREASURE ISLAND is a bold and atmospheric reimagining of a story that has captivated audiences for generations. 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 US and beyond.”
MICHAEL WRIGHT
On the US launch, MGM+’s Wright said:
“This thrilling new adaptation of Stevenson’s classic adventure Treasure Island is a perfect expression of the MGM+ brand. 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.”
DAVID STERN, SCOTT HUFF AND KATE LAFFEY
Commenting on the announcement, Playground’s joint Managing Directors David Stern and Scott Huff said,
“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. 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.”
Production on TREASURE ISLAND commenced this month, and the series will be available exclusively on Paramount+ UK & Ireland and MGM+ U.S.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
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