SyFy and RHI Entertainment is taking on a new television adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic, Treasure Island. This television movie is off to a great start with the casting of Elijah Wood (Wilfred, Lord of the Rings) as Ben Gunn, Donald Sutherland (The Pillars of the Earth, Dirty Sexy Money) as Flint, and Eddie Izzard (United States of Tara, Mystery Men) as Long John Silver.
Toby Regbo will play Jim Hawkins and Phillip Glenister, Rupert-Penry-Jones, David Harewood and Keith Allen have also been cast in Treasure Island. The project set to film in Puerto Rice and Ireland. Check out the press release for more details below:
“Treasure Island,” the special two-part movie event from RHI Entertainment, will premiere on Syfy, the home of imagination-based entertainment, in early 2012. The production stars Eddie Izzard (“The Riches,” “Oceans 12,” “Oceans 13”) as Long John Silver. Elijah Wood (“The Lord of the Rings,” “Everything Is Illuminated”), who has just been cast to reprise his role as Frodo in Peter Jackson’s “The Hobbit,” stars as Ben Gunn. Donald Sutherland (“Pride & Prejudice,” “Ordinary People,” “M*A*S*H”) will also star as Flint. This new adaptation of the Robert Louis Stevenson classic is currently shooting in Puerto Rico and Ireland.
Toby Regbo, who is set to appear in the final “Harry Potter” film as Young Dumbledore, takes on the role of the gutsy, eager and courageous young Jim Hawkins. Jim is unexpectedly drawn into the world of piracy when he discovers a treasure map and finds himself battling with Silver for the treasure and his life. Shirley Henderson (“Harry Potter,” “Bridget Jones”) plays his mother and Nina Sosanya (“Love Actually”) is Silver’s wife.
“‘Treasure Island’ is one of the greatest tales in all of literature,” said RHI Entertainment’s Robert Halmi Sr. “We have retained the adrenaline-charged atmosphere and action from the original work, while adding an edgier, darker tone that will resonate with contemporary audiences. It is a thrilling experience to be able to take this story and re-interpret it for today’s viewers.”
Phillip Glenister (“Ashes to Ashes,” “Mad Dogs”) plays Captain Smollet. Rupert Penry-Jones (“Spooks,” “Whitechapel”) takes on the role of Squire Trelawney and Daniel Mays (“Made in Dagenham,” “Plus One,” “Red Riding”) is Dr Livesey who all lead the voyage with Jim aboard The Hispaniola. David Harewood (“Strike Back,” “Mrs. Mandela,” “Blood Diamond”) and Keith Allen (“Robin Hood,” “Bodies”) are the pirates, Bones and Pew, who lead Jim into the murky world of piracy.
Executive Producers are Robert Halmi Sr. for RHI Entertainment, Alan Moloney for Parallel Films, Mark Grenside for MNG Films, Melanie Stokes and Anne Brogan for Kindle Entertainment and Annie Harrison-Baxter for Sky.
The producer is Laurie Borg (“Made in Dagenham,” “Sense and Sensibility,” “Little Voice”) and it is written by Stewart Harcourt (“Hearts & Bones,” “Poirot,” “Marple”). “Treasure Island” is directed by Steve Barron (“Merlin,” “Arabian Nights”).
About RHI Entertainment
RHI Entertainment (NASDAQ: RHIE) develops, produces and distributes made-for-television movies, miniseries and other television programming worldwide, and is the leading provider of new long-form television content in the United States. Under the leadership of Robert Halmi, Sr. and Robert Halmi, Jr., RHI has produced and distributed thousands of hours of quality television programming, and RHI’s productions have received more than 100 Emmy Awards. In addition to the development, production and distribution of new content, RHI owns rights to more than 1,000 titles, or over 3,500 broadcast hours of long-form television programming, which are licensed to broadcast and cable networks and new media outlets globally. For more consumer information visit www.rhitv.com.
About Syfy
Syfy is a media destination for imagination-based entertainment. With year round acclaimed original series, events, blockbuster movies, classic science fiction and fantasy programming, a dynamic Web site (www.Syfy.com), and a portfolio of adjacent business (Syfy Ventures), Syfy is a passport to limitless possibilities. Originally launched in 1992 as SCI FI Channel, and currently in more than 98 million homes, Syfy is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies. (Syfy. Imagine greater.)
Look for Treasure Island to air in early 2012.
