David Oyelowo has been cast as the iconic pirate Long John Silver in a new television adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic adventure novel Treasure Island. The six-part series has been commissioned by MGM+ in the United States and Paramount+ in the U.K. and Ireland, with production already underway.
The upcoming drama is described as a bold, high-stakes coming-of-age adventure for a new generation. The story centers on Jim Hawkins, played by Tom Sweet, a teenager whose life changes dramatically after discovering a legendary treasure map. What begins as a simple discovery soon places Jim and his mother Bess, portrayed by Hayley Atwell, in grave danger as powerful forces race to claim the fortune tied to the map.
As the journey unfolds, Jim finds himself aboard the ship The Hispaniola, navigating shifting alliances between the charismatic yet dangerous pirate Long John Silver, played by Oyelowo, and the calculated British agent Aaron Graham, portrayed by Jack Huston. Tomer Capone also joins the ensemble as the infamous pirate Billy Bones.
The series follows Jim’s transformation from a sheltered boy into a young pirate forced to confront a world of betrayal, survival, and shifting loyalties. Set across the Atlantic, the Caribbean, and the ominous Skeleton Island, the story explores themes of identity, resilience, and ambition as Jim navigates a perilous voyage where fortune and survival hang in the balance.
The project marks a rare co-production between two major American streaming players. Paramount+ has secured rights for the U.K. and Ireland, while MGM+ will air the series in the United States. Fifth Season will handle global distribution outside those territories.
The series was created for television by Robert Murphy (Vera, Shetland). Jeremy Lovering (Slow Horses, The One), William McGregor (The Buccaneers, His Dark Materials), and Paul Walker (Shameless, Riviera) are directing, with Mark Hedges serving as producer.
Treasure Island is produced by Playground in association with MGM+ and Fifth Season. Executive producers include David Stern, Scott Huff, Colin Callender, and Daniel Gratton for Playground, alongside Murphy and Lovering.
The novel Treasure Island, first published in 1883, remains one of the most influential pirate stories ever written and has been adapted more than 50 times across film and television. Notable interpretations include Disney’s 1950 live-action film, the musical Muppet Treasure Island, the animated sci-fi reimagining Treasure Planet, and the gritty pirate drama Black Sails.
The new series aims to bring a contemporary perspective to the legendary adventure while staying rooted in the spirit of Stevenson’s original tale.
No premiere date has been announced yet.