David Oyelowo, Hayley Atwell and Jack Huston are leading a new adaptation of Treasure Island for MGM+ and Paramount+ UK.
The trio are joined by Tomer Capone and Tom Sweet in the version of the Robert Louis Stevenson epic.
Oyelowo is Long John Silver, Atwell is Bess Hawkins and Huston will play Aaron Graham.
Treasure Island charts the transformation of teenager Jim Hawkins from sheltered boy to emboldened young pirate. When Jim gets his hands on a legendary treasure map, his mother Bess’s clever and decisive actions leave him holding valuable knowledge that puts both of their lives in danger.
MGM+ and Paramount+ UK described the series as a “bold, high-stakes coming-of-age adventure series for a new generation.” It comes off the back of another high-profile adaptation, Lord of the Flies, which just sold to Netflix and was made for the BBC and Sony.
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Wolf Hall maker Playground is producing Treasure Island and Fifth Season is selling. The show is a rare example of a co-production between two big American players, one of which, Paramount+, has only taken rights in the UK and Ireland.
MGM+ boss Michael Wright said: “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.”
The six-part series was commissioned for Paramount+ by Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer, UK, and Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, for Paramount+ UK & Ireland. Wright, global head of MGM+, and Alec Strum, original programming executive, oversee production for MGM+, while David Stern, Scott Huff, Colin Callender and Daniel Gratton executive produce on behalf of Playground, Robert Murphy and Jeremy Lovering also serve as executive producers.