A new film revisits the legend of Robin Hood through a starkly revisionist lens, challenging the traditional image of the outlaw as a heroic figure who stole from the rich to give to the poor. In "The Death of Robin Hood," actor Hugh Jackman portrays the 13th-century outlaw not as a noble rebel but as a brutal, violent marauder addicted to violence and ruthless in his methods. The tagline for the film, which opens this week, bluntly states: "He was no hero."
Jackman, known for his role as Wolverine, reflects on his early exposure to Robin Hood mythology, citing the 1973 Disney animated film, in which Robin is depicted as a clever fox, and the 1991 Kevin Costner epic "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves." While Costner’s film remains a popular and entertaining rendition, it is known for its liberties with historical accuracy. The Disney version, in contrast, imbued the story with greater nuance, portraying characters such as Prince John with psychological complexity.
The film’s director and writer, Michael Sarnoski, acknowledges that this darker, more violent portrayal will not appeal to everyone but emphasizes the importance of exploring different facets of familiar characters. "If we only give people the versions of characters that they’re used to, we’re just not going to grow very much," he said. The film’s opening hour is notably bleak and graphic, confronting audiences with a Robin Hood who is unambiguously brutal rather than a misunderstood hero.
Historical evidence on the real Robin Hood remains inconclusive. Some historians, including Sean McGlynn, argue that a historical figure may have inspired the legend, possibly an archer named William of Kensham who operated in the Weald of Kent. However, the earliest surviving ballads from the 15th century depict Robin Hood in a much more violent and ruthless light than the modern myth suggests. Sarnoski points out the extreme nature of these early stories, such as Robin decapitating a rival and wearing his head as a disguise.
The film follows a tradition of evolving Robin Hood portrayals in cinema, from the swashbuckling Douglas Fairbanks silent film in 1922 and Errol Flynn’s iconic 1938 Technicolor adventure, to more complex and somber interpretations such as Richard Lester’s 1976 "Robin and Marian," starring Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn. That film explored themes of disillusionment and the passage of time, with Robin returning from the Crusades a changed man.
Comedic takes have also contributed to the legend’s cultural legacy; Mel Brooks’ 1993 parody "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" irreverently lampooned the tale, highlighting its enduring flexibility. More recent cinematic efforts have included serious but critically divisive origin stories starring Russell Crowe and Taron Egerton.
"The Death of Robin Hood" focuses on the outlaw’s decline and death, a subject less frequently explored on screen. The film’s slower second half centers on Robin’s time in a priory where he is cared for by a prioress, played by Jodie Comer. The narrative raises questions about whether Robin can escape his violent past and find redemption. This conclusion draws from old ballads that describe Robin’s quiet death by bloodletting, offering a meditation on life, pain, and guilt rather than heroic triumph.
Jackman comments on the theme of death in the film, suggesting that good deaths may be elusive and that people often face the end of life "kicking and screaming." He praises Sarnoski’s work as a profound reflection on the complexities of a life marked by violence and remorse.
As the film invites viewers to reconsider a legendary character long idealized in popular culture, it underscores that no single "true" story or legend of Robin Hood exists. Instead, the figure remains a malleable symbol, shaped by historical interpretation, political context, and cultural imagination.