Hugh Jackman may forever be associated with one of cinema’s most iconic superheroes, but his latest role takes him far away from spandex, claws, and blockbuster spectacle. In The Death of Robin Hood, the acclaimed actor transforms into a weathered, broken version of the legendary outlaw — a man nearing the end of his life, haunted by the choices he made and the myth that grew far larger than the man himself.
Produced by A24, the film promises a bold and introspective reimagining of one of folklore’s most enduring figures. The newly revealed first-look image shows Jackman almost unrecognizable, rugged and wounded, embodying a Robin Hood audiences have never seen before.
A Robin Hood Stripped of Myth
Unlike traditional adaptations that focus on daring archery contests, swashbuckling action, and heroic defiance of tyranny, The Death of Robin Hood zeroes in on the final chapter of the outlaw’s life. Jackman’s Robin is no longer the confident rebel of legend. Instead, he is a man weighed down by injuries, regret, and reflection, now under the care of a mysterious woman whose presence forces him to confront who he truly was.
Jackman was immediately drawn to the script because of its grounded and deeply human approach. Rather than celebrating Robin Hood as a flawless hero, the story portrays him as a real person — scarred physically and emotionally by a lifetime of violence and rebellion.
The actor described this version of Robin as someone defined not only by his deeds, but by the pain and consequences that followed them. In this telling, the myth of Robin Hood is something the man himself struggles to recognize.
A Vision Rooted in Power and Consequence
Director Michael Sarnoski, known for his character-driven storytelling, brings a fresh perspective to the folklore. His vision explores the nature of power — how it is gained, how it is wielded, and how it can be misused.
In the film, Robin Hood is forced to look back on a life marked by crime, violence, and rebellion. While history remembers him as a champion of the poor, the story challenges audiences to consider a more uncomfortable truth: that many of his actions were brutal, destructive, and morally complicated.
This Robin has lived long enough to see himself transformed into legend. Songs have been sung, stories have been passed down, and his name has become synonymous with heroism. But the man behind the myth knows what those stories leave out — the bloodshed, the fear, and the lives forever altered by his choices.
Facing the Legend He Became
One of the film’s most compelling ideas is Robin Hood’s confrontation with his own legacy. He grapples with the discomfort of being remembered as a hero when he knows the darker truth of who he was.
Rather than glorifying his rebellion, The Death of Robin Hood examines the emotional cost of a life lived outside the law. It asks whether noble intentions can truly justify violent actions, and whether redemption is possible once the damage has already been done.
Jackman’s portrayal leans into this internal conflict, presenting Robin as someone caught between pride and shame, defiance and remorse. The result is a character study that feels both intimate and unsettling.
Reuniting with Little John
Adding further emotional weight to the story is Bill Skarsgård, who stars as Little John. In this version of the tale, Little John is portrayed as one of Robin’s former “child soldiers,” recruited during the outlaw’s peak years.
The film reunites Robin and Little John later in life, when both men have had time to reflect on the paths they chose. According to the director, their reunion reveals how differently they understand their shared past.
While Robin may see himself as a reluctant hero shaped by circumstance, Little John’s perspective forces a reckoning. Their conversations reframe Robin’s leadership, questioning whether his cause justified the methods he used — and the people he sacrificed along the way.
A New Female Presence, Not Maid Marian
Jodie Comer stars as a completely new character — a woman who is not Maid Marian, but someone who introduces Robin to an entirely different way of seeing life. Her role brings a sense of tenderness and emotional balance to an otherwise bleak narrative.
According to Sarnoski, the relationship between Robin and this woman adds sensitivity and quiet intimacy to the film. Their interactions are less about romance and more about understanding, compassion, and the possibility of peace.
In contrast to the darkness that defines much of Robin’s past, her presence offers moments of light — a reminder of what life could have been if different choices had been made.
A Visually Striking World
The first-look image hints at a muted, melancholic visual palette, and that tone carries throughout the film. Shot entirely on 35mm film, The Death of Robin Hood embraces texture, grain, and natural light to create a grounded, immersive atmosphere.
Much of Jodie Comer’s storyline was filmed along the north coast of Northern Ireland, a region known for its expansive landscapes and dramatic beauty. These scenes bring a contrasting openness and warmth to the story, visually representing the emotional shift Robin experiences when he enters her world.
The film’s commitment to practical locations and traditional filmmaking techniques reinforces its timeless quality, distancing it from glossy fantasy adaptations of the past.
A24’s Signature Storytelling
As with many A24 productions, The Death of Robin Hood prioritizes character, mood, and thematic depth over spectacle. This is not a film about daring escapes or legendary battles, but about reckoning, memory, and mortality.
Jackman’s casting signals a deliberate shift toward gravitas and emotional complexity. Known for his physical transformations and commitment to roles, the actor appears to have fully embraced the vulnerability required for this performance.
With Sarnoski at the helm and a cast that blends intensity with emotional nuance, the film positions itself as a bold reinterpretation rather than a retelling.
Redefining a Timeless Hero
The Death of Robin Hood challenges audiences to reconsider what it means to be a hero — and whether legends deserve to be believed without question. By focusing on the man behind the myth, the film strips away romanticized notions of rebellion and replaces them with something far more human.
As Robin Hood approaches the end of his life, he is left with memories, regrets, and the uneasy knowledge that history may never tell the full truth. It is within this tension that the film finds its emotional power.
Hugh Jackman’s transformation into this broken, reflective outlaw marks one of the most intriguing performances of his career. Rather than celebrating the legend, The Death of Robin Hood dares to ask what was lost along the way — and whether understanding comes too late.