Ridley Scott, Jack Thorne, and Hugh Jackman Set for Treasure Island Movie Collaboration The long-awaited adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island is taking shape with the announcement of a new film project led by director Ridley Scott, writer Jack Thorne, and actor Hugh Jackman. According to Deadline, Scott has been tapped to helm the film, which will be written by Thorne, the scribe behind Adolescence and Lord of the Flies. Jackman, known for his role as Blackbeard in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, has been cast as the iconic character Long John Silver, a decision that has sparked excitement among fans of the classic tale. This latest iteration of Treasure Island joins a legacy of adaptations, including the 1990 film starring Christian Bale and Charlton Heston, the animated Treasure Planet, and the Muppets’ Treasure Island film. However, the last major big-screen version of the story was the 2011 limited series featuring Elijah Wood, which received mixed reviews. With Scott’s involvement, the project aims to offer a fresh take on Stevenson’s enduring tale of adventure, greed, and the perils of the sea. The film’s production has already drawn attention from major Hollywood studios, all of which are eager to secure the rights to bring the story to life. Despite this competition, Disney remains focused on its own long-standing Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, which has yet to see a reboot despite ongoing discussions. The involvement of Scott, a director known for his meticulous approach and visual storytelling, has further fueled speculation about the film’s potential. While details about the plot, setting, and supporting cast remain scarce, the project’s announcement has generated significant buzz.#hugh_jackman #jack_thorne #pirates_of_the_caribbean #ridley_scott #treasure_island
The Sheep Detectives: A Wholesome Farmland Murder Mystery The film The Sheep Detectives blends charm, wit, and a clever murder mystery, offering a unique blend of idyllic rural settings and engaging storytelling. Drawing comparisons to Babe, the movie features a cast of endearing farm animals who navigate a complex plot, making it accessible to all ages while maintaining depth for adult viewers. The story, adapted from Leonie Swann’s Three Bags Full and written by Craig Mazin (Dune), is brought to life through the vision of Kyle Balda, the first live-action film from the Minions director. The production team includes Suzie Davies for production design, Christophe Beck for the score, and visual effects that seamlessly integrate the animated sheep into the real world. The narrative centers on George Hardy, a shepherd portrayed by Hugh Jackman, who lives in a mobile home on a sprawling bucolic farm. George, a devoted caretaker of his flock, reads murder mystery stories to his sheep every night, believing they are the kindest animals on earth. His sheep, each with distinct personalities, include Cloud (Regina Hall), a fluffy diva; Wool-Eyes (Rhys Darby), a shaggy character; Sir Ritchfield (Patrick Stewart), a magisterial figure; and the pugnacious twin rams voiced by Brett Goldstein. Among his favorites are Sebastian (Bryan Cranston), a solitary sheep who observes the flock from a high peak, and Lily (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), the smartest sheep in the world. The film also features Mopple (Chris O’Dowd), known for his sharp memory, and a host of human characters, including the town’s only police officer, Tim Derry (Nicholas Braun), and an eager young reporter, Elliot Mathews (Nicholas Galitzine).#hugh_jackman #patrick_stewart #the_sheep_detectives #regina_hall #christophe_bea
Lizzo, Labrinth, Ricky Martin and Hugh Jackman to make their Ravinia debuts in packed summer lineup The Ravinia Festival has unveiled its 2026 summer lineup, featuring a star-studded roster of performers including pop sensation Lizzo, British singer Labrinth, Latin pop icon Ricky Martin, and actor-singer Hugh Jackman. The season will also mark the debut of the newly renovated Hunter Pavilion, part of a $75 million multi-year renovation of the 36-acre music park in Highland Park. Lizzo will make her Ravinia debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra on July 11, performing the flute alongside the ensemble. The concert will also feature 21-year-old South Korean pianist Yunchan Lim in Maurice Ravel’s “Piano Concerto in G major.” Labrinth, known for his work on the score of HBO’s “Euphoria,” will debut with the Chicago Philharmonic on September 2, while St. Vincent will collaborate with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Jules Buckley on July 25, showcasing deep cuts from her catalog. The festival’s lineup includes a mix of classical and contemporary acts, with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra celebrating its 90th anniversary of residency. The season will feature rare appearances by future music director Klaus Mäkelä, who will conduct the orchestra at the Hunter Pavilion on August 6 and 8. Mäkelä will perform Sibelius’s “Violin Concerto” with Swedish violinist Daniel Lozakovich and later lead a Parisian-inspired interpretation of Stravinsky’s “The Firebird.” Other highlights include the return of legendary artists such as Paul Simon, Gladys Knight, Bonnie Raitt, Brandi Carlile, and Jacob Collier. The season opens on June 3 with Terence Blanchard and Ravi Coltrane delivering a jazz-focused night at the Martin Theater.#ravinia_festival #ricky_martin #lizzo #labrinth #hugh_jackman
