First Look at Hugh Jackman in ‘The Death of Robin Hood’

Key Takeaways

• The Death of Robin Hood, starring Hugh Jackman, Jodie Comer, and Bill Skarsgård, is set to release in theaters in 2026.
• The film offers a new take on the classic Robin Hood character, exploring the use of power and the consequences of one’s actions.
• Director Michael Sarnoski aims to create a unique and intense film that delves into the complexities of Robin Hood’s character and the folklore surrounding him.
• The movie features a talented cast, including Hugh Jackman as Robin Hood, Bill Skarsgård as a version of Little John, and Jodie Comer in a mysterious role.
• The film was shot on 35mm film, adding to its epic and scopey feel.

Introduction to The Death of Robin Hood
The Death of Robin Hood, an upcoming film from A24 and director Michael Sarnoski, is a new take on the classic Robin Hood character. Starring Hugh Jackman, Jodie Comer, and Bill Skarsgård, the film is set to release in theaters in 2026. According to Hugh Jackman, the script delivered power and examines how power can be used for good or bad. The film’s striking image, featuring Jackman as Robin Hood, proves that this version of the character looks unlike any we’ve seen before. Jackman describes his Robin Hood as a real man with scars, pain, regret, and love, making the story beautiful and human.

Director Michael Sarnoski’s Vision
Writer-director Sarnoski, known for his work on A Quiet Place: Day One and Pig, has spent over a year working on The Death of Robin Hood in Northern Ireland. He explains that the film’s performances are specific and different from what we’ve seen before, making it easy for audiences to understand and become invested in the story. Sarnoski is hesitant to share too much about the plot, but the title suggests that Robin Hood is at the end of his life, reflecting on his past and the folklore that has been created about him. He describes Robin Hood as a murderous outlaw who has lived long enough to see the folklore surrounding him and is now figuring out how he feels about being portrayed as a hero.

The Film’s Intense and Epic Feel
The Death of Robin Hood features a unique and intense take on the classic character. Sarnoski confirms that the film isn’t an action movie, per se, but it’s probably more intense than expected. He describes the fighting scenes as brutal, with people in the mud trying to crack each other’s heads open with a shovel. The film was shot on 35mm film, which Sarnoski says upped everyone’s game and gave the film a charge. He explains that shooting on film, combined with the real epic and scopey locations, feels like capturing something special.

The Cast and Characters
Joining Hugh Jackman in the film is Bill Skarsgård as a version of Little John. Sarnoski explains that Robin Hood had a little army of child soldiers he recruited, and that he served as a mentor to Skarsgård’s character. The two have now crossed paths years later, with very different understandings of the lives they lived. Jodie Comer also stars in the film, playing a character that Sarnoski wanted to keep a mystery. He confirms that she is not Maid Marian, but rather introduces Robin to another side of life. Her character brings sensitivity to the movie, and her striking blue outfit contrasts with the harsh grays of the other two images.

The Significance of Robin Hood’s Folklore
The Death of Robin Hood explores the folklore surrounding Robin Hood, which emerges from myth and folklore rather than a definitive source text. Sarnoski says that the figure’s murky origin plays a role in the story. He explains that the early ballads of Robin Hood, which were first written as the story was passed down as oral tradition, are really brutal and portray Robin as a hero of the common man, but also as a murderous bandit. Sarnoski aims to examine someone who is going through the process of being glorified by the common folk and trying to grapple with the role of storytelling and their actual identity.

Conclusion
The Death of Robin Hood is a unique and intense take on the classic character, exploring the use of power and the consequences of one’s actions. With a talented cast, including Hugh Jackman, Bill Skarsgård, and Jodie Comer, the film is set to release in theaters in 2026. Director Michael Sarnoski’s vision for the film is clear, and his use of 35mm film and epic locations adds to the film’s scope and feel. The Death of Robin Hood is a must-see for fans of the classic character and those looking for a new and exciting take on a timeless story.