Hugh Jackman is taking on an iconic role.
The 57-year-old Wolverine star is set to play the pirate Long John Silver in an upcoming Ridley Scott adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson‘s Treasure Island.
Jack Thorne, who penned Adolescence, is set to write the script, Deadline reports.
It’s expected to have a major studio bidding war as of Monday (July 8), following a decline from 20th Century Studios, which was Ridley‘s first look offer.
The alleged reason? “20th Century is a Disney division and since Pirates of the Caribbean is a priority at Disney’s live-action unit, they didn’t want a competing pirates project and let it go to market.”
Treasure Isalnd “follows a young boy who uncovers the map to a legendary buried treasure, and he embarks on a perilous sea voyage to claim a hidden fortune, only to find himself locked in a deadly battle of wits with the charismatic and treacherous pirate, Long John Silver.”
The 1883 book has sold over 100 million copies worldwide, and has been adapted in various forms, including Muppet Treasure Island, 1999’s Treasure Island, and 2002’s animated Treasure Planet, among many others.
Fans will also be seeing more of Hugh on the big screen soon. The actor’s upcoming dark fantasy film The Death of Robin Hood is set to arrive in theaters this month. Watch the trailer!
Posted To:Casting Hugh Jackman Movies Ridley Scott Treasure Island