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MGM+ and Paramount+’s new six-part adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s *Treasure Island* has quickly become one of the most-watched series on both platforms. Starring David Oyelowo as Long John Silver, it reached No. 1 in the US, UK, Germany, Italy and Spain, signalling strong early interest in the classic adventure’s latest screen version.
The series premiered on 11 October and follows young Jim Hawkins and his mother Bess as they set sail with a pirate’s treasure map, facing mutiny and betrayal. Oyelowo is the first Black actor to play Long John Silver; Hayley Atwell plays Bess and Tom Sweet plays Jim. A separate feature film directed by Ridley Scott is in development, with Hugh Jackman, Owen Cooper and Hugh Grant attached, and a planned release date of 11 November 2027.
- *Treasure Island* reached No. 1 in several countries.
- David Oyelowo plays Long John Silver.
- Ridley Scott’s film adaptation is planned for 2027.
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Treasure Island is an adventure novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, first published in the 1880s. Its story follows young Jim Hawkins, who becomes involved in a search for buried treasure and encounters pirates, including Long John Silver.
The new six-part series retells the story, with David Oyelowo as Silver, Hayley Atwell as Jim’s mother Bess and Tom Sweet as Jim. Silver is one of the novel’s best-known characters, and Oyelowo is the first Black actor to play him on screen.
The story has been adapted many times for film and television. Another version, a feature film directed by Ridley Scott, is in development, showing that the novel continues to attract new screen adaptations.