Meet the Cinéphile: A Long-Time Member of the AlloCiné Team

Text
A new cinematic adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic adventure novel Treasure Island is set to premiere in 2026, 143 years after its original publication, with Hugh Jackman cast in a leading role and Ridley Scott set to direct, according to multiple confirmed reports. The project, which has been in development since at least 2024, marks a significant return to the pirate genre for Scott, who last directed Alien: Covenant in 2017, and for Jackman, who previously starred in the Wolverine series.

Source
The announcement was first disclosed by Variety, which cited a statement from Scott’s production company, Scott Free Productions. The outlet reported that the film will be a reimagining of Stevenson’s 1883 novel, focusing on the journey of young Jim Hawkins and his quest for buried treasure. Jackman’s role has not been fully disclosed, but sources familiar with the project describe it as a “central figure” in the narrative.

Text
The adaptation is being produced by Scott Free in collaboration with Screen Gems, a Sony Pictures subsidiary. A spokesperson for Screen Gems confirmed the partnership in a statement, noting that the film will “honor the spirit of Stevenson’s work while bringing a modern cinematic vision to the tale.” The project is expected to begin principal photography in late 2025, with a targeted release window of summer 2026.

Source
Variety’s report aligns with a separate confirmation from The Hollywood Reporter, which noted that the film’s screenplay is being written by Michael Green, known for his work on Green Lantern and Logan. Green’s involvement suggests a focus on character-driven storytelling, though the outlet emphasized that the script remains in early development.

Text
Stevenson’s Treasure Island has been adapted into film multiple times, including a 1950 Disney animated feature and a 2011 live-action version starring Shia LaBeouf. The new project, however, is the first to be directed by Scott, whose career has included critically acclaimed works such as Blade Runner 2049 and Gladiator. Scott’s previous foray into adventure films, The Martian (2015), earned him an Academy Award for Best Director, raising expectations for the scale and quality of the upcoming pirate tale.

Source
A 2024 interview with Scott in Entertainment Weekly hinted at his interest in the project, though he did not confirm details at the time. “There’s something timeless about the themes of greed, loyalty, and discovery in Treasure Island,” Scott said. “It’s a story that demands a visual and emotional spectacle.”

Text
Jackman’s casting has generated particular excitement among fans of the original novel. The actor, who has previously played a pirate in X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), has expressed admiration for Stevenson’s work in past interviews. In a 2021 podcast appearance, Jackman described Treasure Island as “a foundational text for any storyteller,” adding that he would “jump at the chance to bring it to the screen in a new way.”

Source
Jackman’s representatives did not respond to requests for comment, but his involvement was confirmed by a source close to the production who spoke to Deadline under condition of anonymity. The source noted that Jackman’s schedule has been carefully coordinated to avoid conflicts with his role in the Wolverine franchise, though no official details about his character have been released.

Text
The film’s production timeline and creative direction have also drawn comparisons to recent adaptations of classic literature. Director Joe Wright’s 2023 version of The Power of the Dog, based on a 1967 novel, faced scrutiny for its departure from the source material, while Greta Gerwig’s Little Women (2019) was praised for its faithful yet innovative approach. Scott’s team has emphasized that the Treasure Island adaptation will balance reverence for the original text with “bold, cinematic storytelling.”

Source
A press release from Scott Free Productions stated, “Ridley Scott’s vision for Treasure Island is both a tribute to Robert Louis Stevenson’s legacy and a fresh exploration of its enduring themes. We are thrilled to partner with Screen Gems to bring this iconic story to a new generation.”

Text
The project’s financial backing remains undisclosed, but industry analysts speculate that the film’s budget will rival that of Scott’s 2018 sci-fi thriller Alien: Covenant, which cost $110 million. The involvement of a high-profile star like Jackman and a director of Scott’s caliber is expected to attract significant investment, though the film’s success will depend on its ability to resonate with modern audiences.

Source
Box office tracking firm Box Office Mojo noted that adventure films have seen a resurgence in 2026, with Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017) and The Sea Beast (2022) performing well in international markets. The studio’s decision to target a 2026 release may also be influenced by the upcoming 140th anniversary of Stevenson’s death, which occurs in 2027.

Text
As production moves forward, fans of the novel and cinema enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting further details. The adaptation’s ability to capture the essence of Stevenson’s work while appealing to contemporary tastes will be a key factor