Forget the “Prince of Thieves” and the merry men in tights—Hugh Jackman is about to give us a version of Robin Hood that is far more “Logan” than “Disney.” In what is shaping up to be the most brutal take on the legend yet, A24’s The Death of Robin Hood has officially secured an R rating for “strong bloody violence.” This isn’t the family-friendly adventure we’re used to. It’s a gritty, somber thriller that drops the archer into a world of pain and regret. And we are totally here for it!
A Legendary Hero, Broken
Written and directed by Michael Sarnoski (Pig, A Quiet Place: Day One), the film is based on the 17th-century ballad Robin Hood’s Death.
Instead of showing Robin at his peak, we find him gravely injured after a battle he didn’t expect to survive. Grappling with a lifetime of “crime and murder,” Jackman’s Robin is a man haunted by his past. He finds himself in the care of a mysterious woman (played by Jodie Comer). She offers him one final, bloody shot at salvation.
The Powerhouse Cast
A24 has assembled a top-tier crew to bring this medieval tragedy to life, including Jodie Comer, Murray Bartlett, and Noah Jupe. Fans of “Welcome to Derry” will be happy to learn that Bill Skarsgård is also starring. He will be playing a darker, more twisted Little John.
Why This Matters
Let’s be honest: Robin Hood movies have had a rough decade. From Taron Egerton’s 2018 flop (14% on Rotten Tomatoes) to Russell Crowe’s 2010 grit-fest, most modern adaptations have failed to hit the mark with critics or fans. But this one looks different.
By leaning into an R rating and the atmospheric, character-driven storytelling for which Sarnoski is famous, The Death of Robin Hood aims for something closer to a masterpiece than a popcorn flick. It’s been a long time since the legend felt this dangerous. Mark your calendars for a dark spring: the film is set to hit theaters on May 28, 2026.
