Well, pirates are suddenly hot again. After years without a new Pirates of the Caribbean and Johnny Depp holding firm on not returning, Hollywood seems ready to test the waters with a fresh take on the genre. Enter Hugh Jackman, who is set to play Long John Silver for Ridley Scott. That got my attention.
Jackman boards Scott’s 'Treasure Island'
Trade reports say Hugh Jackman will star as the iconic schemer Long John Silver in Ridley Scott’s new film adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s 'Treasure Island'. The script comes from Jack Thorne (listed in coverage with 'Adolescence ' as a credit), and Scott is producing through Scott Free alongside Michael Pruss. Thorne is also on board as an executive producer.
The studio chess match
Here’s the industry wrinkle: the package goes out to buyers today, and most major studios are expected to circle. Ridley Scott reportedly wanted 20th Century Studios first — they’re releasing his upcoming movie 'The Dog Stars' — but 20th has already passed. Not because of any drama with Scott, but because Disney ( which owns 20th) is intent on keeping its own pirates brand moving. In other words, it looks like a conflict-of-interest call, not a creative thumbs-down, and a decent sign that Disney is actively developing more Pirates of the Caribbean projects.
What we know so far
- Project: A new 'Treasure Island' feature film
- Director: Ridley Scott
- Star: Hugh Jackman as Long John Silver
- Writer/EP: Jack Thorne
- Producers: Ridley Scott and Michael Pruss for Scott Free
- Status: Going out to studios today; 20th Century has looked and passed
- Why 20th passed: Disney wants to keep Pirates of the Caribbean rolling, so competing pirate ships are a no-go
- Context: It has been a long break between Pirates movies, and Johnny Depp is not returning to the Disney franchise
The story they’re telling
If you somehow missed it in school, 'Treasure Island' (published in 1883) follows a kid who stumbles onto a treasure map and sails off chasing a fortune, only to get tangled up with the charming, slippery, and very dangerous Long John Silver. The new film is being described as a fresh spin on the 143-year-old classic, which tracks given the talent involved. The book is one of the biggest adventure staples ever — over 100 million copies sold and translated into more than 50 languages — so there is plenty of room to make a big, crowd-pleasing version.
Why this could matter
Scott knows his way around large-scale adventures, and Jackman playing Silver is a savvy piece of casting: he can dial up the charisma and the menace in the same breath. If this lands at a studio with the appetite to go big, you can see the plan — satisfy the pirate itch while Disney sorts out its own franchise future. And yes, that’s a tall order, but at least this one feels pointed.
The package is out as of today (June 8, 2026 ). Once a studio plants its flag, we should get a clearer read on timeline and scope. Until then: Hugh Jackman as Long John Silver — you in?