Few literary classics have been as enduringly adapted as Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island. From the whimsical Muppet Treasure Island to the futuristic Treasure Planet, its themes of adventure, camaraderie, and moral complexity have captivated audiences for generations. Now, Disney is charting bold new waters with a fresh adaptation led by The Peanut Butter Falcon directors Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz.
This time, the high-seas escapade is headed for the Australian coastline, blending surfing culture, found family dynamics, and the gritty patina of the 1970s surf world.
A Classic Tale with a Modern Twist
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Michael Schwartz confirmed that their adaptation of Treasure Island is in development at Disney. The filmmakers envision the project as an “Australian surfer version” of the beloved classic, complete with “outsider energy” and the themes of brotherhood and resilience that define their storytelling style.
“It has the vibes that we do,” Schwartz explained. “It's about found family, drama, and the outsider spirit.” His co-director, Tyler Nilson, added that the project's 1970s surf aesthetic offers a unique lens for the timeless tale of treasure hunting and betrayal.
This reimagining joins an illustrious history of Treasure Island adaptations. Recent takes include Starz's acclaimed prequel series Black Sails, which delves into the origins of the infamous Long John Silver, and Disney's sci-fi-infused Treasure Planet. Nilson and Schwartz aim to honor the original story while carving out a distinctive niche with their sun-soaked, wave-crashing approach.
Creative Visionaries with a Track Record
Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz burst onto the scene with 2019's The Peanut Butter Falcon, a heartwarming indie about an unlikely friendship between a young man with Down syndrome and a drifter. The film was widely praised for its emotional depth and celebration of unconventional bonds—a sensibility they promise to bring to Treasure Island.
Currently, the duo is promoting Los Frikis, a Spanish-language film set in 1990s Cuba about punk rockers who self-infected with HIV to escape state control. Their ability to blend niche settings with universal themes suggests a Treasure Island adaptation steeped in both specificity and broad emotional resonance.
What We Know So Far
While production timelines and casting details remain under wraps, the project aligns with Disney's recent trend of reimagining beloved stories in bold new ways. As Schwartz and Nilson have hinted at multiple projects in development—including a reimagining of the Danish action-comedy Riders of Justice—it's clear their creative plate is full.
Schwartz's remark, “We've written three or four things we're really excited about,” underscores the energy and ambition fueling their work. Whether Disney fast-tracks this surfer adventure or prioritizes other collaborations, one thing is certain: their Treasure Island promises to be a ride worth catching.
Disney's surfer-inspired Treasure Island is more than just another adaptation—it's a reimagining rooted in the visceral, sun-drenched world of 1970s surf culture. With Nilson and Schwartz at the helm, the project holds the potential to merge Stevenson's timeless narrative with fresh, modern perspectives.
As Disney continues to explore bold interpretations of classic tales, Treasure Island could become a cultural milestone, resonating with new generations while paying homage to the spirit of the original.
My Impressions
The idea of a Treasure Island set against the backdrop of Australian surf culture feels both innovative and thrilling. Nilson and Schwartz's track record with emotionally resonant, character-driven stories makes them ideal stewards for such an ambitious project. If their vision can capture the grit and camaraderie of 1970s surfing while staying true to the source material, this adaptation might just redefine the classic tale for modern audiences.
What do you think of this surfer-inspired take on Treasure Island? Can it capture the spirit of Stevenson's classic while offering something new? Share your thoughts below!
