By: Renae Richardson

If you have ever read about pirates—whether through formal education or casual curiosity—then you likely know the name, Long John Silver. Few pirate characters have achieved such enduring cross-cultural recognition. Now, it has been announced that a new generation will once again encounter the infamous swashbuckler, this time portrayed by David Oyelowo. That casting choice alone adds an extra layer of intrigue.

All Things are Cyclical

I have written more than a few articles about the resurgence of classic stories and characters that have become cultural mainstays. This latest announcement is yet another example of that phenomenon—and one that does not disappoint. As reported by Blexmedia,

A new television adaptation of Treasure Island, the classic adventure novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, has been commissioned by MGM+ in the United States and Paramount+ in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Oyelowo has been cast in the leading role of Long John Silver.

Oyelowo Takes Center Stage

One thing that can be said about Oyelowo is that acting is truly his craft—one he has studied, trained for, and continuously refined. According to reporting from the BBC,

He gained widespread recognition for his stage portrayal of King Henry VI. In doing so, he made history by becoming the first Black actor to play an English king—Henry VI—for the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Since then, he has continued to leave a remarkable imprint through the depth, intensity, and commitment he brings to his performances.

An Artisan for the Times

David Oyelowo. Image Source: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images (Courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter)

Oyelowo’s body of work demonstrates a remarkable range that requires a transformative presence few actors can sustain consistently. Some of his most notable projects include Lawmen: Bass Reeves, The Book of Clarence, Queen of Katwe, Selma, The Butler, Lincoln, Red Tails, and The Help, among others. Anyone who has followed his career can readily see the level of artistry he brings to his work. As one colleague once remarked of him,

“He has a talent—and he has a talent for his talent. He works hard at it, and he maximizes everything he has.”

Now, he will have the opportunity to bring that same depth and intensity to the iconic character of Long John Silver.

Long John Silver

Long John Silver first came to life through the pen of Robert Louis Stevenson and stands as the central character in Treasure Island. While the character himself is fictional, both Silver and Stevenson’s novels profoundly shaped the public imagination surrounding pirates and piracy. According to Encyclopedia Britannica,

The novel introduced many of the concepts that audiences now widely associate with pirates: one-legged seamen, black-sailed ships, treasure maps marked with an “X,” the ominous “black spot,” and parrots squawking “pieces of eight.”

Oyelowo as Long John Silver

Now Oyelowo will take part in continuing the legacy of a story that has endured for generations. The upcoming adaptation is currently planned as a six-episode series. As Blexmedia  additionally reports,

The narrative will follow Jim Hawkins’ transformation from a sheltered boy into a young pirate forced to confront a world of betrayal, survival, and shifting loyalties. Set across the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, and the foreboding Skeleton Island, the series will explore themes of identity, resilience, and ambition as Jim navigates a perilous voyage where fortune—and survival—hangs in the balance.

A Little More to Chew On

While there is not yet a confirmed premiere date, several details about the production already signal that the project is somewhat unique. Per Blexmedia,  the series represents a rare co-production between two major American streaming platforms. Paramount+ has secured the rights for the United Kingdom and Ireland, while MGM+ will air the series in the United States. Meanwhile, Fifth Season will handle global distribution outside those territories.

And there it is—another revisitation of a cultural cornerstone. It serves as a reminder of the enduring work of artists whose creations have become fixtures in the collective imagination. Some stories, it seems, are not merely remembered. They are immortal.