You can’t stop Ridley Scott, and his new project will be an adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, starring Hugh Jackman as Long John Silver. While it was initially assumed that 20th Century Studios would take on the project, the studio ultimately passed due to its ties to Disney and the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Instead, Deadline reports that Sony Pictures is currently in negotiations to land Treasure Island.
All About Ridley Scott’s Treasure Island
Treasure Island follows Jim Hawkins, a young boy who discovers a map to Captain Flint’s hidden fortune in the chest of a deceased pirate. He joins an expedition to the island, but the crew—led by the charismatic, one-legged cook Long John Silver—secretly mutinies, forcing Jim to outwit the pirates to survive.
This version is said to be a new take on the story, but it’s too early to say just how different it will be. Personally, a good ol’ fashioned pirate movie from Scott sounds like it could be a blast.
Jack Thorne (Adolescence) wrote the screenplay, which reportedly blew Scott away, and will also executive produce. Scott and Michael Pruss are producing through the Scott Free banner.
Treasure Island Has Been Adapted Many Times
There have been many adaptations of Treasure Island since the novel was first published in 1883. Some of the most famous include Disney’s 1950 adaptation starring Bobby Driscoll and Robert Newton; Muppet Treasure Island featuring the great Tim Curry as Long John Silver; and even Treasure Planet, another Disney production which moved the story into space.
There have been stage plays, video games, and TV shows. I’m actually currently watching Black Sails, a Starz drama series which serves as a prequel to Treasure Island, and it’s a lot of fun.
But First, The Dog Stars
Scott’s next film is The Dog Stars. The film tells the story of Hig (Jacob Elordi), a young pilot who, together with a military survivalist, Bangley (Josh Brolin), has carved out an efficient but isolated homestead in a brutal post-apocalyptic world. But when Hig receives a mysterious radio transmission, he ventures into the unknown in search of the hope and humanity he still believes exist.
The rest of the cast includes Margaret Qualley, Allison Janney, Benedict Wong, and Guy Pearce. It will be released in theaters, IMAX, and premium large formats on August 28.
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