New ‘Treasure Island’ Adaptation Drops Trailer — David Oyelowo Plays John Silver

MGM+ and Paramount+ have unveiled the official trailer for “Treasure Island,” a new six-episode adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel. David Oyelowo, Hayley Atwell and Tom Sweet star.

In the US, the series premieres October 11, 2026 on MGM+, and arrives October 12 on Paramount+ in the UK and Ireland. Episodes will roll out weekly, with the finales set for November 15 and 16, respectively.

Production company Playground Entertainment describes the project as a new, bigger and more character-driven take on Stevenson’s story.

David Oyelowo Takes On John Silver

Long John Silver is played by David Oyelowo, known for “Selma” and the series “Silo.” Tom Sweet takes the role of young Jim Hawkins, and Hayley Atwell plays his mother, Bess.

The main cast also includes:

• Jack Huston as Aaron Graham;
• Tomer Capone as Billy Bones;
• Craig Els as Mr. Arrow;
• Tristan Sturrock as Captain Smollett.

The story begins after Jim and his mother come into possession of a map to Captain Flint’s legendary treasure and find themselves drawn into a dangerous fight for the gold. Their journey takes them aboard the Hispaniola, where Jim crosses paths with the charismatic but unpredictable Silver.

One of the most notable additions to the original story is the character Aaron Graham. The official description calls him a revolutionary spy who intends to use Flint’s treasure to fight colonial rule. The new adaptation thus adds political intrigue and extra lines of conflict to the classic adventure tale.

A grittier voyage than the one you remember. #TreasureIsland, starring David Oyelowo and Hayley Atwell, premieres October 11 on #MGMplus. pic.twitter.com/SWJvJFwgqw

— MGM+ (@mgmplus) September 24, 2026

The Action Moves to 1788

The series is set in 1788, spanning the stormy coast of Cornwall and the Atlantic to a jungle-covered island where the treasure lies.

The creators promise a darker, tenser version of the familiar story, in which the hunt for gold becomes both a coming-of-age tale for Jim and a clash between loyalty, ambition and betrayal.

The adaptation was written by Robert Murphy, whose credits include “Shetland” and “Vera.” Jeremy Lovering, William McGregor and Paul Walker directed the six episodes. Playground Entertainment produces with Amazon MGM Studios and Fifth Season.

The new version is the latest adaptation of Stevenson’s 1883 novel, but according to the official synopsis, the creators have noticeably expanded the roles of Bess Hawkins and other characters, turning the familiar treasure-map story into a larger ensemble adventure thriller.