Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way Developing TV Adaptation of Aldous Huxley’s Island

Leonardo DiCaprio’s production company, Appian Way, is bringing a visionary novel to the screen. Aldous Huxley’s Island, first published in 1962, is being adapted into a new television series, giving audiences a fresh look at the author’s final work — a utopian counterpoint to his dystopian classic, Brave New World.

What is Island About?

Set on the remote Pacific island of Pala, Island explores the story of an ideal society that has thrived in peace and harmony for more than 120 years. The narrative begins when Will Faranby, a cynical journalist working as an agent of outside conspirators, is shipwrecked on Pala. His mission is to exploit the island’s resources, but what he doesn’t expect is how deeply the community’s values will transform him.

Through his time with the people of Pala, Faranby experiences a shift in perspective, discovering a society built on compassion, spirituality, and balance. The novel explores how exposure to a new way of life can challenge even the most hardened cynic — and ultimately give him hope.

The Themes of Island

Unlike Brave New World, which warned of a dystopian future driven by consumerism and control, Island imagines a utopian alternative. Its themes include:

• A harmonious blend of Eastern spirituality and Western science.
• A focus on community well-being over individual greed.
• The transformative power of mindfulness and human connection.

These ideas make Island especially relevant today as society continues to grapple with questions of sustainability, technology, and cultural identity.

The Upcoming Adaptation

The upcoming series is being developed by Appian Way Productions, with Leonardo DiCaprio leading the project alongside executive producers George DiCaprio, Jennifer Davisson, and Roee Sharon. The adaptation is in partnership with In Good Company Films, ensuring a strong creative team is in place to bring Huxley’s visionary novel to television.

This marks one of the first major adaptations of Island, and with Appian Way’s track record of producing acclaimed films like The Wolf of Wall Street, The Revenant, and Shutter Island, audiences can expect a thoughtful and visually striking production.

Why Island Stands Out

Island isn’t just another literary adaptation — it’s a story about hope, transformation, and the possibility of a better society. For fans of Aldous Huxley, it offers a chance to see his final novel reimagined for a modern audience. For new viewers, it’s an opportunity to explore the contrast between utopia and dystopia in a way that feels especially timely.

Stay Tuned for Casting Opportunities

As Island moves closer to production, opportunities for actors, extras, and crew may open soon.

👉 For audition updates and casting calls for Island, stay tuned to Project Casting. We’ll keep you posted as soon as opportunities become available.