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A major Hollywood package is making waves in the film industry with acclaimed director Ridley Scott, award winning actor Hugh Jackman and celebrated screenwriter Jack Thorne joining forces for a new adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel Treasure Island.
According to reports from Deadline the project is set to hit the market this week and is already expected to attract interest from every major Hollywood studio. Ridley Scott is attached to direct the film while Hugh Jackman is set to portray the legendary pirate Long John Silver. The screenplay has been written by Jack Thorne who is best known for his recent work on Adolescence. Scott will also produce the project alongside Michael Pruss through Scott Free while Thorne will serve as executive producer.
The new film promises to offer a fresh take on Stevenson’s timeless adventure story. The novel follows a young boy who discovers a map leading to hidden treasure and embarks on a dangerous voyage across the sea in search of unimaginable riches. Along the way he encounters the cunning and charismatic pirate Long John Silver leading to a tense battle of trust deception and survival that has captivated readers for generations.
Industry insiders say that 20th Century Studios was given the first opportunity to acquire the project but ultimately declined. The decision was reportedly not due to any lack of interest in working with Scott but because the studio operates under Disney which already has the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise as a major priority for its live action division. Executives reportedly did not want another pirate themed project competing with one of Disney’s biggest properties allowing the package to move into the wider marketplace.
The timing is notable as Scott continues his partnership with 20th Century through his upcoming film The Dog Stars which is scheduled for release in August. That production is based on Peter Heller’s post apocalyptic novel.
Originally published in 1883 Treasure Island remains one of the most influential adventure novels ever written. The book has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide and has been translated into over 50 languages inspiring numerous adaptations for film television and stage over the decades. One of the best known modern versions was Disney’s animated Treasure Planet released in 2002 which transported the story into a science fiction setting while retaining many of its classic characters.
With Ridley Scott behind the camera Hugh Jackman taking on the iconic role of Long John Silver and Jack Thorne adapting the screenplay the project is already generating significant excitement across the entertainment industry. More details are expected as the package officially heads to the market and studios begin competing for what could become one of the biggest literary adaptations in development.
