Full Breakdown
The Death of Robin Hood: A Revisionist Portrait of a Legendary Outlaw
6/13/2026, 6:24:46 AM
The Film’s Core Narrative
Set in 1247 England, *The Death of Robin Hood* follows an aging Robin (Hugh Jackman) who has spent decades as a ruthless bandit. After a brutal clash with Little John (Bill Skarsgård) leaves him gravely wounded, Robin is taken to a remote priory where Sister Brigid (Jodie Comer) tends his injuries. Within the cloister he encounters a leper (Murray Bartlett), an orphaned girl Margaret (Faith Delaney), and a one-eyed youth Arthur (Noah Jupe). The film charts Robin’s reluctant engagement with the community and his tentative search for redemption before his inevitable death.
Historical Basis and Creative Context
The story draws on the medieval ballad *A Gest of Robyn Hode*, whose final section, “Death of Robin Hood,” depicts the outlaw’s final days in a priory. Director-writer Michael Sarnoski, known for *Pig* (2021) and *A Quiet Place: Day One* (2024), uses the ballad to dismantle the heroic myth built by earlier screen adaptations—from Errol Flynn’s swashbuckler to Kevin Costner’s romanticized outlaw.
Principal Cast and Creative Team
- Hugh Jackman – Robin Hood
- Jodie Comer – Sister Brigid
- Bill Skarsgård – Little John
- Murray Bartlett – the leper
- Faith Delaney – Margaret
- Noah Jupe – Arthur
Produced by Aaron Ryder, Andrew Sweet, Alexander Black and Jackman, the film is an A24 release. Pat Scola handled cinematography; Tony Lewis and folk singer Jim Ghedi provided the score.
Production Details and Release Timeline
- June 12 2026 – World premiere at the Sydney Film Festival
- June 19 2026 – U.S. theatrical release (A24)
- Runtime: 123 minutes; Rating: R
Critical Reception: Data & Statistics
- Rotten Tomatoes: 64 % (22 reviews) – mixed consensus
- Metacritic: 62/100 – “generally favorable”
- Critics note strong performances and atmospheric design, but cite uneven pacing.
Official Statements & Responses
Director Michael Sarnoski explained his attraction to the source: “I had always loved the death of Robin Hood legend…There’s something beautiful and poetic, yet really simple and human about it.” He added, “I hope audiences come in with an open mind…and leave thinking about the stories we tell ourselves.”
Criticism & Opposition
Negative assessments highlight the film’s length and emotional distance. Frank Scheck (The Hollywood Reporter) called it “a tedious slog,” while Tim Grierson (Screen International) argued that “pushing too hard for gravitas suffocates the story.” Marshall Shaffer (The Playlist) observed that technical merits “don’t invite a viewer into the specific, soulful experience of the characters.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m tired,” — Robin (Hugh Jackman)
- “He was a murderous brigand,” — Robin (Hugh Jackman)
- “I had always loved the death of Robin Hood legend,” — Michael Sarnoski
- “[Jackman’s] put so much thought and effort into this character,” — Michael Sarnoski
- “He wrote, “Sarnoski is concerned with the act of storytelling, and how each story evolves (or devolves) over time.” — Comic Basics reviewer
- “The Death of Robin Hood guards its own soul jealously before finally expressing it with deep equanimity and fellowship.” — Den of Geek
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact Rotten Tomatoes percentage (64 % vs. 65 %) and on whether the film’s tone is “thoughtful” or “tedious.” Critical consensus remains split, indicating a gap between artistic intent and audience reception.
Why It Matters
By recasting Robin Hood as a violent, remorseful figure, the film interrogates how legends are reshaped across centuries, contributing to contemporary debates on myth-making and the moral complexity of heroes.
What’s Next
Following its U.S. debut, the film will enter the awards-season circuit, with A24 positioning it for potential nominations in acting, direction, and costume design categories.
