MGM+'s 'Treasure Island' Is Ambitious but Flat, Review Says
MGM+'s new adaptation of Treasure Island reimagines Robert Louis Stevenson's novel with altered characters, themes of rebellion, and the Haitian Revolution as a backdrop. The review praises the cast, especially David Oyelowo as Long John Silver, and the detailed production design, but finds the execution repetitive and dreary. Tom Sweet plays Jim Hawkins, Hayley Atwell portrays his mother Bess, and Jack Huston also stars.
MGM+’s six-part series comes from creator Robert Murphy and premieres Sunday, Oct. 11. It recasts Stevenson’s tale by rearranging characters and plot, placing oppression and revolt at the center while the Haitian Revolution unfolds in the background. Tom Sweet leads as Jim Hawkins, a young man with remarkable recall, alongside Hayley Atwell as his widowed mother, Bess.
The review credits the production’s polished look, from European estates to open water and dense jungle, and praises David Oyelowo’s Long John Silver. Jack Huston appears as Graham, a merchant who charters the Caribbean voyage, while Tomer Capone plays the shipwrecked pirate Billy Bones.
This adaptation may attract MGM+ subscribers and Stevenson fans, while its focus on rebellion and the Haitian Revolution could encourage viewers to explore historical context. Oyelowo’s casting as Long John Silver may influence how audiences see classic pirate roles and diverse leads in period adventure. If reviewers stress uneven pacing, some viewers could skip it, potentially affecting word-of-mouth and future literary adaptations. Streaming platforms may weigh ambition against execution when commissioning similar projects.