Ridley Scott and Hugh Jackman Team Up for New “Treasure Island” Adaptation

Ridley Scott will direct a feature-film version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1883 novel *Treasure Island*, with Hugh Jackman cast as the pirate Long John Silver. Jack Thorne wrote the screenplay and will executive-produce; Scott and Michael Pruss will produce through Scott Free. The package entered the market in early June 2026 for studio bidding.

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Since its 1883 publication, *Treasure Island* has sold over 100 million copies and been translated into more than 50 languages, establishing the archetypal pirate tropes of treasure maps, the Black Spot, and a one-legged cook with a parrot. Its influence endures across film, television, and theme-park attractions.

Ridley Scott Casts Hugh Jackman as Iconic Pirate in Adaptation of 143-Year-Old Classic

The project reunites Scott and Jackman for their first collaboration. Jackman, known for Wolverine and Robin Hood, will portray the charismatic yet treacherous Long John Silver. Thorne, acclaimed for *Adolescence* and *His Dark Materials*, provides the script and executive oversight. Production is anchored by Scott Free, with representation by CAA (Scott), WME/Sloane Offer Weber & Dern (Jackman), and UTA (Thorne).

Variety Magazine

Industry sources say 20th Century Studios—Scott’s usual distributor—passed on the project because Disney, its parent, prioritizes the *Pirates of the Caribbean* franchise and wishes to avoid internal competition. Consequently, the package is being shopped to multiple major studios, and a bidding war is expected.

Hugh Jackman to Star, Ridley Scott to Direct New "Treasure Island" Adaptation; Disney Reportedly Wary of "Pirates of the Caribbean" Competition

Analysts note that Disney’s protective stance may limit the film’s distribution options and fragment audience interest in pirate-themed releases. Some observers argue that launching another high-profile pirate adaptation while Disney develops its own sequel could dilute market demand.

Hugh Jackman to Play One of The Most Iconic Fictional Pirates in Treasure Island Film

All sources agree on cast, crew, and the Disney-related studio decision; no contradictory details have emerged. The primary unknowns are the eventual studio buyer and the film’s production timeline.

Gizmodo

• “20th Century is a Disney division and since Pirates of the Caribbean is a priority at Disney’s live-action unit, they didn’t want a competing pirates project and let it go to market.” — Insider, Deadline

Just Jared

• “The Treasure Island package is a new take on Stevenson’s novel.” — Deadline

Deadline Hollywood

• “Watch on Deadline Since its publication in 1883, Treasure Island has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide and been translated into over 50 languages, making it one of the most enduring and influential adventure novels ever written.” — Deadline

Deadline Hollywood

• “The story of a young boy named Jim Hawkins who befriends the ship's cook, Long John Silver, only to discover he is secretly a pirate, has become a cornerstone of how pirates are depicted in media.” — TVWeb

Ridley Scott Casts Hugh Jackman as Iconic Pirate in Adaptation of 143-Year-Old Classic

The package will remain on the market through the summer, with studios expected to submit offers. Production timelines will depend on the winning studio, while casting for supporting roles and location scouting are slated to begin later in 2026.

Ridley Scott to direct Hugh Jackman in new ‘Treasure Island’ film adaptation