Classic literature has long been a treasure trove for Hollywood, and Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island is no exception. The 1883 novel, which inspired the beloved prequel series Black Sails, has now been reimagined for a new generation in a six-part limited series that is already making waves across the streaming world.
The new Treasure Island, a joint production between MGM+ and Paramount+, premiered on October 11 and has quickly climbed to the top of the charts on both platforms. The show has secured the No. 1 spot in the United States, the United Kingdom, and several European territories, including Germany, Italy, and Spain, signaling a strong early reception from audiences hungry for high-seas adventure.
Created by Robert Murphy, this adaptation puts a fresh spin on Stevenson's tale, following young Jim Hawkins and his mother Bess as they come into possession of a legendary pirate's treasure map. Their journey across the Atlantic becomes a deadly voyage fraught with mutiny, violence, and betrayal, forever changing Jim's life. The series boasts a stellar cast, led by David Oyelowo as the charismatic Long John Silver, making history as the first Black actor to take on the iconic role.
Oyelowo, who gained recent acclaim for his portrayal of the titular lawman in Taylor Sheridan's Lawmen: Bass Reeves, brings his signature intensity to the part. For fans of Sheridan's work, this pirate saga offers a different kind of frontier—one where the wild seas replace the Wild West. If you're craving more of that Sheridan-style grit, check out our list of westerns that hit the same nerve.
Joining Oyelowo is Hayley Atwell (Avengers: Doomsday) as Bess Hawkins, with Tom Sweet (Great Expectations) as Jim. The ensemble also includes Jack Huston (Boardwalk Empire) as Aaron Graham, Tomer Capone (The Boys) as Billy Bones, Craige Els (Andor) as Mr. Arrow, Tristan Sturrock (Poldark) as Captain Smollett, and Neil Pendleton (Outlander) as Mr. Cameron.
The show's success is a testament to the enduring appeal of pirate stories, a genre that continues to captivate audiences. It also follows a trend of literary adaptations finding new life on streaming platforms, much like the recent Percy Jackson series that conquered Netflix after its Disney+ run.
But the treasure hunt isn't over yet. Ridley Scott is currently developing a feature-length adaptation of Treasure Island for Sony Pictures, with Hugh Jackman set to play Blackbeard and Owen Cooper and Hugh Grant in undisclosed roles. That film is slated for a theatrical release on November 11, 2027, promising a different scale of adventure.
Meanwhile, MGM+'s Treasure Island continues to roll out new episodes weekly on Sundays through November 15. For those who can't get enough of Oyelowo's commanding presence, his work in Lawmen: Bass Reeves is a must-watch, and you can explore more of Sheridan's universe with our analysis of his best crime show.
With its blend of classic storytelling, modern star power, and a historic casting choice, Treasure Island is proving that some stories never lose their luster—they just find new ways to shine.
