Hugh Jackman has been cast in an upcoming film adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. The upcoming film stars Jackman as the one-legged pirate and ship’s cook Long John Silver. While that’s an impressive casting, what’s more interesting is who’s directing the film.
Who is directing Hugh Jackman in the new Treasure Island movie?
Hugh Jackman’s Treasure Island movie is being directed by legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott, known for Alien, Gladiator, and more (via Deadline). The film is being written and executive-produced by Jack Thorne, known for creating and penning the highly acclaimed Adolescence. The movie is being produced by Scott and Michael Pruss from Scott Free Productions.
The film doesn’t have a home yet, as the report reveals that major film studios will be competing to land the project.According to the report, the project was first pitched to 20th Century Studios. However, the studio turned it down because it is focused on its upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean film.
The film is being described as a “brand-new take” on the classic novel. According to the trade, the film “follows a young boy who uncovers the map to a legendary buried treasure, and he embarks on a perilous sea voyage to claim a hidden fortune, only to find himself locked in a deadly battle of wits with the charismatic and treacherous pirate, Long John Silver.”
Ridley Scott’s most recent directorial venture, The Dog Stars, had its first trailer released this week. Before that, the filmmaker directed Gladiator 2 and Napoleon. The Treasure Island adaptation will mark the first collaboration between Jackman and Scott.
Since its publication in 1883, Treasure Island has been adapted numerous times in film, TV, and theatre, video games, and more. The most recent major film adaptation was 2002’s Treasure Planet, an animated film that took big creative liberties with the source material. A Treasure Island TV show is also in development, starring Hayley Atwell.
The Treasure Island movie doesn’t have a release date.
