A major new movie project is making waves in Hollywood. Ridley Scott is set to direct a fresh adaptation of the classic novel Treasure Island, with Hugh Jackman attached to play the famous pirate Long John Silver. Jack Thorne, the writer behind the hit series Adolescence, wrote the script. The news broke on June 8, 2026, and the package is now being shown to studios across town.
Disney Passes Due to Pirates of the Caribbean Conflict
20th Century Studios got the first look at the project. Scott has a long history with the studio, which will release his next film The Dog Stars in August 2026. But 20th Century said no to Treasure Island. The reason ties back to Disney, which owns 20th Century. Disney’s live-action unit already has Pirates of the Caribbean as a major priority. Executives did not want another pirate adventure competing with that franchise. So they let the package go to other buyers.
A Fresh Take on a 143-Year-Old Classic
Robert Louis Stevenson first published Treasure Island in 1883. The novel has sold over 100 million copies worldwide. It has been translated into more than 50 languages. The story follows a young boy who finds a map to a buried treasure. He joins a sea voyage to claim the fortune. But he soon finds himself in a dangerous battle of wits with Long John Silver, a charming but deadly pirate.
This new version will be a fresh take on the material. Scott brings his years of experience directing big action films. Jackman brings his star power and acting range to one of literature’s most famous villains. Thorne earned critical praise for Adolescence, which became a major hit for Netflix.
Previous Treasure Island Adaptations
Treasure Island has been adapted many times over the years. One of the most famous versions is Treasure Planet from 2002. Directors John Musker and Ron Clements set the story in space. Joseph Gordon-Levitt voiced the young hero Jim Hawkins. Brian Murray voiced Long John Silver. Martin Short played the robot Ben, and Emma Thompson voiced Captain Amelia. That film took the classic story and gave it a science fiction twist.
Other adaptations include live-action films, TV movies, and animated versions. But a Ridley Scott-directed version with Hugh Jackman could be somethingๅฎๅ จไธๅ. Scott knows how to build big worlds. Jackman knows how to play characters with charm and danger.
What This Means for Jackman and Scott
Hugh Jackman stays very busy. He recently finished his run of shows as part of his comeback tour. He also starred in several films over the past few years. Playing Long John Silver gives him a chance to play a morally gray character. The pirate is likable but also dangerous. He befriends the young hero while also planning to steal the treasure for himself.
Ridley Scott never slows down. He has multiple projects in development at all times. The Dog Stars comes out in August 2026 through 20th Century Studios. That film is based on Peter Heller’s post-apocalyptic novel. Scott also has other films in the pipeline. Adding Treasure Island to his schedule shows his energy at age 88.
Jack Thorne gained wide attention for Adolescence. That series became a talking point for its acting and its writing. Thorne also wrote Enola Holmes and several other major projects. His script will likely bring a modern feel to the 143-year-old story.
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The Search for a Studio Home
The Treasure Island package is now on the open market. Every major studio is expected to take a look. The combination of Scott, Jackman, and Thorne makes this one of the hottest projects of the year. A bidding war could break out soon.
No production schedule or release date has been set yet. The film needs a studio partner first. Once a deal closes, casting for other roles like Jim Hawkins will likely begin. Fans of adventure films and pirate stories will watch closely to see where this project lands.
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