David Oyelowo transforms into Long John Silver as Treasure Island trailer arrives

David Oyelowo takes on one of literature’s most famous pirates in the newly released trailer for Treasure Island, offering the biggest look yet at the ambitious new television adaptation coming to the UK this October. The six-part series sees David become Long John Silver alongside Hayley Atwell as Bess Hawkins and Tom Sweet as her son Jim.

The adventure begins when Jim and Bess unexpectedly come into possession of Captain Flint’s legendary treasure map. The discovery offers the prospect of unimaginable riches, but it also puts mother and son directly in the path of dangerous people determined to find the treasure for themselves.

David Oyelowo becomes Long John Silver

The new trailer puts David’s Long John Silver firmly at the centre of the action, introducing a charismatic and dangerous figure whose relationship with Jim becomes increasingly important as the young adventurer is pulled deeper into the hunt.

This adaptation also places Hayley’s Bess firmly within the adventure rather than leaving Jim to embark on the journey alone. Mother and son cross the Atlantic aboard the Hispaniola, where shifting loyalties and the pursuit of Captain Flint’s treasure turn their voyage into something considerably more dangerous.

Jack Huston joins the cast as Aaron Graham, while Tomer Capone plays Billy Bones. Craige Els appears as Mr Arrow, Tristan Sturrock plays Captain Smollett and Neil Pendleton takes on the role of Mr Cameron.

Treasure Island gets a six-part television adaptation

The series is based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1883 novel, one of the most enduring pirate adventures ever published. Its six-part television format gives the latest adaptation more time to explore the characters, relationships and rivalries surrounding Jim’s journey and the hunt for Flint’s treasure.

David follows numerous actors who have taken on Long John Silver across film and television, but this time audiences will get several episodes to watch his relationship with Jim develop. Hayley, meanwhile, arrives in the series following roles including Peggy Carter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Helen Gordon in Rivals.

The series has been adapted for television by Robert Murphy, whose previous credits include Vera and Shetland. Jeremy Lovering, William McGregor and Paul Walker direct the six episodes, with Playground producing the new adaptation.

There is not long to wait for the voyage to begin either. Treasure Island premieres in the US on MGM+ on October 11 before reaching UK and Irish audiences on Paramount+ the following day, with the story then continuing through weekly episodes.

Treasure Island begins exclusively on Paramount+ in the UK and Ireland on October 12, with new episodes released weekly.