Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island is the basis for a new drama for Paramount+ in the U.K. and Ireland and MGM+ in the U.S., with Fifth Season on board as global distributor.
The six-episode commission features a cast that includes David Oyelowo, Hayley Atwell, Jack Huston, Tomer Capone, and Tom Sweet. It is produced by Playground and was created for television by Robert Murphy. Production services in Spain are provided by Ánima Stillking.
The show was commissioned for Paramount+ by Sebastian Cardwell (deputy chief content officer for the U.K.) and Paul Testar (commissioning editor, U.K. and Ireland). Michael Wright, global head of MGM+, and Alec Strum, original programming executive, oversee production for MGM+.
Cardwell said, “Treasure Island is a bold and atmospheric reimagining of a story that has captivated audiences for generations. This adaptation brings fresh emotional depth and a striking contemporary edge to Stevenson’s classic. We’re thrilled to be partnering with Playground and MGM+ to bring this richly cinematic adventure to audiences in the U.K. and Ireland, the U.S., and beyond.”
MGM+’s 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 led by David Oyelowo, Hayley Atwell, Jack Huston, Tomer Capone, and Tom Sweet. Robert Murphy’s fresh take on Stevenson’s classic captures the timeless themes of the beloved story, and we are delighted to partner with Playground and our colleagues at Paramount+ UK and Ireland on this ambitious adventure.”
Playground’s joint MDs, David Stern and Scott Huff, said, “Treasure Island is an epic, high-stakes adventure with timeless themes of conquest, greed, and coming of age. Robert Murphy has written something that is, in equal measure, surprising, entertaining, and true to the original novel. The extraordinary cast and crew who have joined us are a testament to his brilliant scripts and to the powerful hold the original story has had on generations of readers. We’re incredibly grateful to our partners at MGM+, Paramount+, and Fifth Season for their support of our vision for the series.”
Kate Laffey, SVP for acquisitions at Fifth Season, added: “Treasure Island takes a story beloved by international audiences and delivers a fresh and inventive series that stays close to the iconic tale at its heart. We’re excited to partner with celebrated creative powerhouse Playground for the first time on a visually and emotionally compelling narrative anchored by an acclaimed ensemble cast that gives this thrilling escapade through the seas huge global appeal.”
