Wolverine actor Hugh Jackman is putting another legendary role under his belt. He has officially confirmed his role in Treasure Island, an all-new reboot of the famous story which will be directed by Ridley Scott.
Earlier this month, it was reported that Jackman had been cast as the iconic pirate Long John Silver in Scott’s Treasure Island. In a new interview with DiscussingFilm to promote his newest movie, The Death of Robin Hood, Jackman verified that the report is accurate. Given that he recently portrayed Robin Hood, the actor was asked if he was drawn to the idea of playing “classic literary characters.” Jackman said that what actually got him on board was the quality script along with getting a chance to work with Scott.
Hugh Jackman Is the New Long John Silver
“I really read the script, and if I respond to my gut,” Jackman stated. “I’ve never read Treasure Island. I’ve never seen Treasure Island. So, I’ve heard of Long John Silver, but I had no idea. It is a slight reimagining, I’m told, but I just read this script, and, you know, it was sent to me by Ridley Scott, and I was like, ‘Well, I’m really interested in that.'”
He added, “Jack Thorne wrote this amazing script. So, fingers crossed we get it up and we get going. I’m in. Let’s see if someone will make it.”
Written by Thorne (Adolescence), the new Treasure Island reboot takes inspiration from the original story by Robert Louis Stevenson. In addition to directing, Scott is serving as a producer alongside Michael Pruss, while Thorne is executive producing. As Jackman suggested, the movie hasn’t been formally picked up just yet, as it’s reportedly being shopped to different studios. It seems more likely than not that the project will be moving forward, given Scott’s track record.
Treasure Island Gets Reimagined Once Again
The original book is one of the most influential adventure novels ever written. It was first published in 1881. The story follows Jim Hawkins, a young boy who discovers a dead pirate’s treasure map which leads to the buried fortune of the notorious Captain Flint. Jim embarks on a sea voyage on a ship in search of the treasure, though many of its crew members are secretly pirates led by the ship’s cook, Long John Silver. The character ultimately became established as one of literature’s greatest villains, playing a major role in defining the modern image of pirates.
Over the years, there have been dozens of adaptations of Treasure Island in different mediums. Some of the actors who’ve played Long John Silver in previous films include Wallace Beery, Robert Newton, Charlton Heston, and Tim Curry. The acclaimed TV series Black Sails went in another direction by serving as a prequel to Treasure Island with Luke Arnold in the iconic role.
Ridley Scott’s Treasure Island does not yet have a release date.
- Release Date
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January 22, 1990
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Charlton Heston
Long John Silver
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Christian Bale
Jim Hawkins
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Christopher Lee
Blind Pew
