Paramount+ UK and MGM+ adapt Treasure Island

Paramount+ UK and Ireland has partnered with MGM+ in the US on an adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s 18th century epic novel Treasure Island, with David Oyelowo and Hayley Atwell set to star.

The six-part drama is being produced by Playground, in association with distributor Fifth Season, and has been created for TV by Robert Murphy (Vera). Production started this month, with services in Spain provided by Ánima Stillking.

Oyelowo (Selma) stars as Long John Silver and Atwell (Marvel’s Agent Carter) is Bess Hawkins, while Jack Huston (Boardwalk Empire) is Aaron Graham, Tomer Capone (The Boys) is Billy Bones, and Tom Sweet (Great Expectations) is Jim Hawkins.

The adaptation is described by the partners as “a bold, high-stakes coming-of-age adventure series for a new generation” that charts the transformation of teenager Jim Hawkins from sheltered boy to emboldened young pirate.

When Jim gets his hands on a legendary treasure map, the clever actions of his mother Bess and her decisive actions leave him holding valuable knowledge that puts both of their lives in danger.

The series, which is set in a Caribbean on the brink of revolution, follows Jim and Bess as they sail aboard The Hispaniola, caught between Long John Silver and the duplicitous British agent Aaron Graham as they search for treasure.

Jeremy Lovering (Slow Horses), William McGregor (The Buccaneers) and Paul Walker (Shameless) are attached to direct, with Mark Hedges serving as producer.

The series was commissioned for Paramount+ by Sebastian Cardwell, deputy chief content officer for the UK, and Paul Testar, commissioning editor for Paramount+ UK & Ireland. Michael Wright, global head of MGM+, and Alec Strum, original programming executive, oversee production for the two streamers, while David Stern, Scott Huff, Colin Callender and Daniel Gratton executive produce on behalf of Playground.

The show will premiere and be available exclusively on Paramount+ in the UK and Ireland, and on MGM+ in the US, with Fifth Season handling distribution outside these territories.

Cardwell described the show as “a bold and atmospheric reimagining of a story that has captivated audiences for generations.”

He added: “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.”

Wright added: “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.”

Playground’s joint MD’s David Stern and Scott Huff said the show would be “an epic, high-stakes adventure with timeless themes of conquest, greed, and coming of age.”