Hugh Jackman to star in new adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's novel, 'Treasure Island'
Washington DC, June 9
After gaining fame from roles like Wolverine, P T Barnum, Van Helsing, Jean Valjean and most recently Robin Hood, the actor Hugh Jackman is adding another classic character to his filmography, the pirate Long John Silver.
According to Variety, Ridley Scott has enlisted Jackman to star in a new adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's 1883 novel, 'Treasure Island.'
Scott will direct the film from a script by Emmy-winning 'Adolescence' writer Jack Thorne and produce alongside Michael Pruss for his Scott Free banner. Thorne will executive produce the new movie. The hot package hit the market on Monday.
Stevenson's tale of "buccaneers and buried gold" is one of the most famous and most frequently adapted pirate stories ever written.
'Treasure Island' follows young Jim Hawkins as he finds a map to Captain Flint's long-lost fortune and embarks on a perilous voyage aboard the Hispaniola. Aboard the ship, Jim and the crew face mutiny led by the cunning, one-legged cook, Long John Silver but ultimately outsmart the pirates to claim the gold, reported Variety.
The 18th-century set coming-of-age story popularised many pirate tropes, including treasure maps marked with an "X", the Black Spot and one-legged seamen with parrots on their shoulders.
According to Variety, the 'Treasure Island' project develops as Scott readies for the release of his latest film, 20th Century's "The Dog Stars," in August. A new trailer for the post-apocalyptic thriller, starring Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin and Margaret Qualley, was released earlier Monday.
Jackman next stars in A24's "The Death of Robin Hood," from filmmaker Michael Sarnoski, which opens on June 19.
Jackman is represented by WME and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern; Scott is represented by CAA; and Thorne is represented by UTA, Casarotto Ramsay & Associates and Sloan, Offer, Weber & Dern.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Ridley Scott directing Hugh Jackman? This is going to be epic! Treasure Island was my childhood favorite - I still remember reading it under the neem tree during summer vacations. The one-legged cook with the parrot is iconic. Hope they keep the spirit of adventure intact! 🇮🇳
Another classic adaptation? Hollywood seems to be running out of original ideas. First The Dog Stars, now this. Jackman is great but I'd rather see him do something new instead of another remake. Still, will watch for Scott's direction - the man is a legend.
As an Indian who grew up on Disney's animated version, I'm excited! But I hope they cast some Indian actors too - maybe as the young Jim Hawkins? India has great child actors who could bring that innocence. Hugh Jackman as Silver will be amazing though - he nailed Van Helsing and P.T. Barnum!
Honestly, after seeing what Ridley Scott did with Napoleon and Robin Hood, I'm a bit skeptical. But Jackman is always committed to his roles. The mutiny plot sounds familiar - feels like every pirate movie. Still, Treasure Island is a classic. Let's hope Scott brings some fresh perspective to the 18th-century setting.
Ahoy there! Jackman as a pirate? Sign me up! But seriously, this is a big opportunity for diversity in casting. The Caribbean setting means lots of Black and mixed-race characters historically. I hope they don't just make it a white-washed adventure. Also, can we get an Indian composer for the score? A.R. Rahman could
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