Scripted

Paramount+ UK & Ireland and MGM+ U.S. have greenlit a new original adventure drama "Treasure Island," a six-part production, inspired by the classic novel by Robert Louis Stevenson.

The title features a high-profile ensemble including David Oyelowo as Long John Silver, Hayley Atwell as Bess Hawkins, Jack Huston as Aaron Graham, Tomer Capone as Billy Bones, and Tom Sweet as Jim Hawkins.

Produced by Playground in association with Fifth Season, the series offers a modern reimagining of the 18th-century epic. The narrative follows teenager Jim Hawkins on a high-stakes journey from a sheltered life to the dangerous world of piracy after discovering a legendary treasure map. Set across the Atlantic and the Caribbean, the story explores themes of survival, shifting alliances, and identity as Jim and his mother, Bess, navigate threats from both notorious pirates and duplicitous agents.

The project was created for television by Robert Murphy, with Jeremy Lovering, William McGregor, and Paul Walker directing. Fifth Season will manage global distribution for the series outside of the UK, Ireland, and the United States. Production has officially begun this month, with services in Spain provided by Ánima Stillking.

Sebastian Cardwell, Paramount’s Deputy Chief Content Officer, UK, stated: “"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, head of MGM+, 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 and Scott Huff, joint Managing Directors at Playground, commented: “'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.”