Ridley Scott's 'Treasure Island' Adds Owen Cooper, Hugh Grant in Talks for November Shoot

Ridley Scott's 'Treasure Island' Adds Owen Cooper, Hugh Grant in Talks for November Shoot

Ridley Scott is wasting no time. With his post-apocalyptic epic The Dog Stars set to hit theaters on August 28, the 88-year-old director has already confirmed his next project: a big-screen adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, starring Hugh Jackman as the legendary pirate Blackbeard. Speaking at the The Dog Stars press junket in London, Scott revealed that Adolescence breakout Owen Cooper is set to play young Jim Hawkins, and that Hugh Grant is in talks to join the cast, likely as Long John Silver. Production is scheduled to begin November 1, according to Scott, with location scouting reportedly underway in the Canary Islands.

The announcement came as Scott continues to promote The Dog Stars, an intimate survival drama starring Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, and Margaret Qualley. The film, adapted from Peter Heller's 2012 novel, follows a small band of survivors in a world ravaged by a pandemic. While the premise might suggest a large-scale spectacle, Scott has described it as a character-driven story, one that exemplifies what he calls "Small Ridley"—the side of the filmmaker that focuses on human relationships rather than epic spectacle. This duality has defined Scott's nearly 50-year career, from Alien and Blade Runner to The Martian and Gladiator II.

A Return to Familiar Territory

Treasure Island marks a return to the adventure genre for Scott, who has recently focused on historical epics like Napoleon and Gladiator II. The film, written by Jack Thorne (known for Adolescence and the upcoming Lord of the Flies), will incorporate the historical figure Blackbeard into Stevenson's classic story, a deviation from the original novel. Hugh Jackman, who has been attached since June, will portray Blackbeard, while Cooper—who earned critical acclaim for his role in the Netflix series Adolescence—is expected to play the young protagonist Jim Hawkins. Hugh Grant's potential role remains undisclosed, but speculation points to the duplicitous Long John Silver, a character central to the novel's themes of loyalty and deception.

Scott's decision to cast Cooper, a relative newcomer, follows a pattern of elevating young actors in major productions. The director has long been known for discovering talent, having launched the careers of actors like Sigourney Weaver and Russell Crowe. Cooper's involvement brings a fresh energy to the project, which is being set up at Sony Pictures with a budget that is likely substantial, given the scale of the story and the talent attached.

The Stakes for Scott's Career

The upcoming Treasure Island arrives at a critical juncture in Scott's career. His recent big-budget efforts, Napoleon (2023) and Gladiator II (2024), both carried price tags north of $200 million and failed to make a significant impact at the box office or with critics. The Dog Stars, which reportedly cost $110 million, is currently tracking in the high single digits at the box office, raising questions about the commercial viability of Scott's recent films. Critics have also become more skeptical of his work; his last true Oscar contender was The Martian in 2015, though 2021's The Last Duel remains a critically revered gem in his filmography.

Scott's reputation, however, remains formidable. He is set to receive an honorary Oscar this fall, and his influence on the science-fiction and adventure genres is undeniable. Treasure Island offers an opportunity to recapture the mainstream success that has eluded him in recent years, combining a beloved literary property with A-list star power and a script from one of the hottest writers in Hollywood.

A Legacy of Small and Big

The Los Angeles Times recently highlighted Scott's ability to shift between "Big Ridley" and "Small Ridley" modes, pointing to films like The Duellists, Matchstick Men, and The Last Duel as examples of his more intimate storytelling. Despite his reputation for massive productions, Scott has repeatedly demonstrated a talent for quiet, character-driven narratives. The Dog Stars is the latest example, and Treasure Island may offer another, as the story's emotional core lies in the relationship between Jim Hawkins and Long John Silver.

Scott's relentless work ethic—at 88, he shows no signs of slowing down—has made him a singular figure in the industry. He is already working on multiple projects beyond Treasure Island, including a pirate film with Hugh Jackman and a long-awaited Bee Gees biopic. His ability to balance blockbuster spectacle with personal storytelling has defined his career, and Treasure Island may well become the perfect synthesis of both.

What's Next?

With The Dog Stars opening soon and Treasure Island set to begin production in less than three months, Ridley Scott shows no intention of retiring. The director's enduring appeal lies in his versatility, and audiences will soon have the chance to see him tackle everything from post-apocalyptic survival to pirate adventure. For now, all eyes are on the casting announcements and the November shoot, which will bring one of literature's most enduring tales to life under the guidance of a master filmmaker.

Meanwhile, fans of Scott's television work may recall his involvement as an executive producer on Raised by Wolves, the acclaimed sci-fi series that was abruptly canceled by HBO Max in 2022. The show's cancellation, attributed to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav's cost-cutting measures, remains a sore point for its dedicated fanbase. As Scott continues to command the big screen, his influence on the small screen remains a topic of interest, though no new TV projects are currently announced.

For now, the spotlight remains on Treasure Island and the promise of a classic tale told with Scott's signature vision. Whether he delivers another blockbuster or a nuanced character study, one thing is certain: Ridley Scott remains one of the most compelling figures in cinema.