Hugh Jackman cast as Long John Silver in Ridley Scott film

Actor Hugh Jackman has confirmed he will star as the iconic pirate Long John Silver in a new film adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic adventure novel "Treasure Island," to be directed by Ridley Scott. The project, however, is not yet officially greenlit and is currently being shopped to studios.

Jackman revealed his unfamiliarity with the source material in recent interviews, stating he had never read the novel or seen any prior adaptations before receiving the script. He said he was drawn to the project by the quality of the screenplay, written by Jack Thorne, and the opportunity to work with Scott. Jackman described the script as genius and confirmed his involvement, though he noted the film's production is contingent on securing a studio.

The film is described as a slight reimagining of the 1883 novel, which follows young Jim Hawkins, who discovers a map to buried treasure and embarks on a sea voyage, becoming entangled with the charismatic and cunning Long John Silver. The character is widely regarded as one of literature's great villains and helped define the modern image of pirates.

Scott, known for historical epics such as "Gladiator" and "Napoleon," will...