Description
David Oyelowo went to extraordinary lengths to bring Long John Silver to life in Treasure Island, including a physically demanding transformation that took two months to recover from. Alongside Hayley Atwell, who plays Bess Hawkins, Oyelowo takes Collider behind the scenes of the 2026 television adaptation to discuss the practical effects, elaborate sets, and unexpected challenges of playing pirates.
To convincingly portray Long John Silver's missing leg, Oyelowo wore a restrictive brace that prevented his knee from bending, while a latex stump and green-screen techniques helped complete the illusion. The resulting hobble was so demanding that he needed two months to regain normal hip function.
Atwell also discusses how the production's practical sets, including a candlelit inn, helped create an immersive world that felt more authentic than working against a green screen. Oyelowo recalls the magic of filming the treasure discovery sequence and exploring Tenerife's striking landscapes.
The longtime friends also share some lighter moments from filming, including Atwell's attempts to recruit cast members for Bananagrams, their 20-year friendship, and how that history shaped their performances together.
Chapters:
0:00 David Oyelowo and Hayley Atwell on Treasure Island
0:25 How Long John Silver's Wooden Leg Was Created
1:11 The Physical Toll of Playing Long John Silver
1:38 Why Practical Sets Made Treasure Island Feel Real
2:42 Filming the Treasure Discovery in Tenerife
3:32 Hayley Atwell's On-Set Bananagrams Games
4:08 David Oyelowo and Hayley Atwell's 20-Year Friendship
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Video By Michael Zimmermann & Dano GS
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