‘Treasure Island’ First Look Images Reveal Hayley Atwell and David Oyelowo in the New Pirate Adventure
Treasure Island is getting ready to set sail again, but this time the classic pirate story is coming to television with a few major changes. MGM+ and Paramount+ are bringing Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous adventure to screens this fall as a six-part series, and the first official images give us a much better idea of what this new version will look like.
The biggest surprise may be how much attention the series gives to Bess Hawkins. Instead of simply keeping Jim Hawkins’ mother in the background, the new show makes her an important part of the story. Hayley Atwell plays Bess, while Tom Sweet takes on the role of her teenage son Jim. David Oyelowo is stepping into the famous role of Long John Silver, complete with his peg leg and parrot.
The first-look images were released as the show gets closer to its October premiere. They offer the first real glimpse at the main characters and their new journey aboard the Hispaniola. Based on the official synopsis, Jim and Bess are pulled into a dangerous situation after becoming connected to the mystery surrounding a legendary treasure. They soon find themselves caught between Silver, who can be charming but dangerous, and Aaron Graham, a British agent with plans of his own.
For Jim, this is more than just a hunt for buried gold. The story is also being presented as a coming-of-age tale. He starts out as a sheltered teenager, but his experiences at sea force him to grow up quickly. The dangerous people around him, along with the secrets he discovers, push him into a world that is far removed from the safe life he once knew.
Atwell brings a familiar face to the project. Many viewers will know her as Peggy Carter from the Marvel movies and television projects, but Bess Hawkins gives her a very different kind of role. The new version of the story appears to give Bess more control over what happens, making her decisions an important part of Jim’s journey.
Oyelowo also has a lot to live up to with Long John Silver. The character has been played many times over the years, but this series seems interested in showing both sides of him. Silver can win people over with his personality, yet there is always a sense that something more dangerous is hiding underneath. Oyelowo, who has also appeared in shows such as Silo, will be at the center of that tension.
The rest of the cast adds even more familiar names. Jack Huston plays Aaron Graham, described as a polished but untrustworthy British agent, while Tomer Capone, known for The Boys, plays Billy Bones. Behind the camera, Robert Murphy created the television adaptation, with Jeremy Lovering and William McGregor directing. Playground Entertainment is producing the series, while Fifth Season is handling its global distribution.
Variety reported comments from executives at both MGM+ and Paramount+ when the project was announced. Paramount+ executive Cardwell said the series brings “fresh emotional depth” and a “striking contemporary edge” to Stevenson’s story. MGM+ executive Wright also described it as a strong match for the network, combining classic Hollywood storytelling with a modern approach.
The timing is also worth watching. Treasure Island will premiere on MGM+ in the United States on October 11. Viewers in the UK and Ireland will get it on Paramount+ one day later, on October 12. The six episodes will then arrive weekly, with the US finale scheduled for November 15 and the UK and Ireland finale following on November 16.
That weekly schedule could give the series plenty of time to build an audience. Rather than releasing the entire story at once, MGM+ and Paramount+ are giving viewers a reason to come back each week and see where Jim, Bess and Silver end up next.
Of course, Treasure Island has been adapted countless times, so simply retelling the familiar story would not be enough to make this version stand out. The decision to make Bess a much bigger part of the adventure could be the key difference. Add a strong cast, a famous pirate, a mysterious treasure and a dangerous trip aboard the Hispaniola, and the series has plenty to work with.
Which character are you most excited to see in the new Treasure Island series?
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