The Death of Robin Hood: Hugh Jackman and the Truth Behind the Legend
A24’s new film “The Death of Robin Hood,” directed by Michael Sarnoski and starring Hugh Jackman, presents a revisionist take on the legendary outlaw. According to Sarnoski, the film treats Robin Hood as an amalgamation of several historical outlaws rather than a single hero, grounding the story in the brutal reality of 1274 AD.
The film’s trailer opens with Jackman’s character claiming that the stories people tell of Robin Hood are lies. This sets the stage for a narrative that counters the image of a “merry bandit” who stole from the rich to give to the poor. The film’s tagline, “He was no hero,” signals a shift toward a more violent and morbid interpretation of the legend.
Why is this version of Robin Hood historically different?
Writer and director Michael Sarnoski stated that there isn’t a single real Robin Hood. He described the figure as a “folk thing” likely created from a few different outlaws who shared a common name. Sarnoski noted that the first written accounts of the character appeared two to three centuries after the 13th century.
The production grounded the film in 1274 AD and the “Celtic fringe,” with principal photography occurring in Northern Ireland. Sarnoski researched the era to reflect a world of extreme violence. He cited English history lectures describing medieval battles not as knights in armor, but as peasants beating each other with shovels.
How did the original lore influence the script?
Sarnoski’s interest in the project began with a 1940s book of canonical Robin Hood stories given to him by a mentor. The story “The Death of Robin Hood” fascinated him because it introduced the idea that an iconic folkloric figure could actually die.
The director also looked at early ballads, which he described as “morbid and horrifying.” Sarnoski pointed to original tales where Robin Hood chopped off heads and wore them on his shoulders. He used these details to justify a version of the character who “definitely murdered some folks.”
What changes were made to the characters?
Sarnoski reinvented the role of the prioress, played by Jodie Comer. While original ballads portrayed the prioress as an “evil nun,” Sarnoski wanted a more complex human version. He drew inspiration from Hildegard von Bingen, a polymath nun, theologian, and healer.
In the film, the prioress leads a commune that serves orphans and lepers. The plot centers on her healing a “half-dead” Robin Hood. This creates a conflict regarding whether the “prince of thieves” can find salvation before the healer discovers his murderous history.
What may happen next for the film?
As “The Death of Robin Hood” is now playing in theaters, audience reception may determine if this darker, revisionist approach to folklore becomes a trend for other legendary figures. The film’s focus on historical brutality could lead to further discussions regarding the romanticization of medieval life in cinema.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Robin Hood based on one real person?
According to director Michael Sarnoski, Robin Hood is likely an amalgamation of several different outlaws rather than one single historical individual.
What inspired the character of the prioress in the film?
Sarnoski drew inspiration from Hildegard von Bingen, a polymath nun, musician, and healer, to turn the character into a leader of a commune for orphans and lepers.
Where was “The Death of Robin Hood” filmed?
Principal photography for the film took place in Northern Ireland.
Do you prefer traditional legends or revisionist takes that explore a darker history?