“Treasure Island” to Premiere on Syfy in 2012
Eddie Izzard, Elijah Wood and Donald Sutherland Inked to Star in Special Two-Part Movie Event
NEW YORK, February 2, 2011 – “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”).
