Hayley Atwell gives the 2026 Treasure Island adaptation one of its clearest emotional anchors. Atwell plays Bess Hawkins, Jim’s mother, a character whose role in Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1883 novel is relatively small. The six-part television version expands Bess into a more active presence in the treasure hunt, giving Atwell more to do than simply worry about her son.
This is independent critical analysis, not a claim that every viewer agrees. The Guardian’s October 12, 2026 review awarded the series two out of five stars and criticized its script, tone and changes to the source material. That verdict is useful context, but it does not automatically settle whether individual performances work.
Why Bess gives the premiere a human center
Every adaptation of Treasure Island faces the same challenge: audiences already know the map, the ship, the pirates and the danger. A new version has to make the journey feel urgent again. Expanding Bess is one way to do that. Rather than leaving Jim’s mother at the edge of the story, the series gives her agency in decisions that pull the pair into danger.
That change can work even for viewers who prefer Stevenson’s leaner original. Bess can be protective without being passive, frightened without surrendering control, and determined without turning every scene into a speech. The family relationship adds personal stakes to the treasure hunt.
A strong performance cannot repair every script problem
The Guardian’s review was sharply negative about the adaptation’s broader choices, including additions to Jim’s abilities, melodramatic plotting and an uneven tone. These are structural problems: an actor can make a scene credible, but cannot independently fix a story that asks viewers to accept too many turns too quickly.
That distinction matters when assessing Atwell. A performance may offer a point of connection while the episode around it feels overstuffed. When Bess has a clear objective and the scene allows consequences to register, the character can feel grounded. When dialogue overexplains or the plot rushes past emotional beats, even a committed performance has less room to breathe.
The mother-and-son relationship is the real test
The expanded role works best when Bess’s choices affect Jim rather than merely competing with him for screen time. Jim is drawn toward the unknown; Bess must weigh that pull against the responsibility of keeping them both alive. Their different instincts offer a personal route into a familiar adventure.
The change also creates a risk: does the series make Jim more interesting by giving his mother a fuller life, or does Bess’s stronger presence leave the young protagonist feeling reactive? The answer depends on whether later episodes give Jim meaningful decisions of his own.
How the ensemble shapes the contrast
David Oyelowo’s Long John Silver must balance charm with danger. Silver needs to be persuasive enough that Jim—and the audience—can understand his appeal, even when trusting him would be a mistake.
Jack Huston’s Aaron Graham adds another agenda to the voyage, while Tom Sweet has to carry Jim’s point of view through a substantially reworked story. Each added thread should increase pressure on the treasure hunt rather than distract from it.
What to watch for in Episode 2
- Bess’s agency: Does she make consequential choices, or mainly explain the stakes?
- Jim’s growth: Does he start shaping the voyage instead of simply reacting?
- Consistent tone: Can the series balance family drama, danger and adventure without abrupt shifts?
- Character over spectacle: Do performances have room to land between plot twists?
These are more useful tests than declaring the adaptation a success or failure after one episode. The Guardian’s review is a clear negative critical response, but it is not a complete audience verdict. The six-part series still has room to develop—or deepen—the choices introduced in the premiere.
Watch the official trailer
The official Paramount+ UK & Ireland trailer introduces the cast and series. Availability and episode schedules vary by region.
Frequently asked questions
Does Hayley Atwell play Bess Hawkins in Treasure Island (2026)?
Yes. Atwell plays Bess Hawkins, Jim’s mother, in the six-part adaptation.
Is Bess Hawkins a major character in the original book?
No. Jim’s mother has a comparatively small role in Stevenson’s 1883 novel. The television adaptation expands Bess and gives her more influence over the adventure.
Did The Guardian praise the new Treasure Island?
No. Its October 12, 2026 review awarded the series two out of five stars and criticized several storytelling choices. That is one critic’s assessment, not a universal audience score.
Where can viewers watch Treasure Island?
Paramount+ announced the UK and Ireland premiere for October 12, 2026. The series is also available through MGM+ in the United States; schedules and subscription options vary by region.
Will Hayley Atwell’s performance save the whole series?
That is a critical judgment, not an established fact. Atwell’s expanded role gives the adaptation a potential emotional focus, but the series also needs coherent plotting and meaningful character development.
Sources: The Guardian review (October 12, 2026); Paramount+ UK & Ireland official series guide and first-look images; TV Insider interview with Hayley Atwell and David Oyelowo.
By Shivam Das
