You probably think you’ve seen every possible version of Robin Hood. We’ve had the tights, the fox version, the "Prince of Thieves" accent from Kevin Costner, and Russell Crowe’s somewhat somber take. But the new film with Hugh Jackman is aiming for something that feels less like a summer blockbuster and more like a fever dream in the mud.
Honestly, it’s about time.
The movie, officially titled The Death of Robin Hood, isn't your typical Sherwood Forest romp. It’s being produced by A24—the same studio that brought us The Witch and Everything Everywhere All At Once—which should be your first clue that things are going to get weird and probably a bit bloody. Forget the merry men. This is about a man who has reached the end of his rope and is basically just trying to survive his own legend.
A Robin Hood Who Has Actually Seen Some Stuff
If you saw the first look images that dropped recently, you might not have even recognized Jackman. He’s ditched the polished Hollywood look for a chest-length white beard and hair that looks like it hasn't seen a comb since the Crusades. Director Michael Sarnoski, who previously blew everyone away with Pig (the Nicolas Cage movie about the truffle pig), is clearly steering this into "grizzled veteran" territory.
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Jackman plays an older, battle-scarred Robin Hood who is dealing with a pretty nasty injury. He's a man who has spent his life killing and stealing, and he's finally forced to reckon with the "monstrous" things he’s done. It's giving off huge Logan vibes, which, let’s be real, is exactly where Jackman thrives.
He’s not alone in this grim woods, though. The cast is actually stacked:
- Jodie Comer: She isn’t playing Maid Marian. Sarnoski has been super cagey about her role, but we know she’s a mysterious woman who offers Robin a shot at salvation.
- Bill Skarsgård: He’s playing a version of Little John, but don't expect the jolly giant. Here, he’s more like a lieutenant who grew up in Robin’s "army of child soldiers" and now has some serious bones to pick with his former mentor.
- Murray Bartlett and Noah Jupe: Their roles are still under wraps, but knowing their past work, they aren't just there for background noise.
It’s Basically a War Movie in Disguise
One thing Sarnoski has been very clear about: this isn't an action movie where people dance around with rapiers. He described the combat as people in the mud trying to crack each other’s heads open with shovels. It’s meant to feel heavy. Every swing of a sword or pull of a bowstring has a physical cost.
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They shot a lot of this on the north coast of Northern Ireland. If you've ever seen photos of that coastline, you know it’s gorgeous but looks absolutely freezing. Jackman has mentioned in interviews that the production was "rainy and snowy and freezing cold," which probably helped with the whole "tortured outlaw" performance.
Beyond the Bow: Jackman’s Massive 2026
While The Death of Robin Hood is the one everyone is buzzing about for the awards circuit, it’s actually just one piece of a massive year for Hugh. If you’re a fan, your 2026 calendar is going to be full.
Before the Robin Hood epic hits theaters on June 4, 2026, we're getting something completely different. In May, Jackman stars in The Sheep Detectives (originally titled Three Bags Full). It’s a comedy-mystery where he plays a shepherd who reads detective novels to his sheep. When he gets murdered, the sheep—who can actually understand him—decide to solve the crime. It sounds absolutely unhinged in the best way possible, especially with a cast that includes Bryan Cranston and Emma Thompson.
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And then, of course, there’s the Marvel of it all. Even though Deadpool & Wolverine felt like a finale, the rumors are swirling that Jackman will pop back up as Logan in Avengers: Doomsday, which is slated for December 2026. He’s recently joked about his "competition" with Wesley Snipes over who can hold the record for the longest-running Marvel character, so don't expect him to hang up the claws for good just yet.
What to Watch Out For
If you’re planning to follow Jackman’s 2026 run, keep these specifics in mind:
- The Tone Shift: Don't go into The Death of Robin Hood expecting The Greatest Showman. This is a 35mm film project that feels more like a gritty historical drama than a folk tale.
- The Release Dates: The Sheep Detectives in May, The Death of Robin Hood in June, and the potential Marvel appearance in December.
- Song Sung Blue: There’s also a movie coming out where he and Kate Hudson play a Neil Diamond tribute band. It’s a busy year.
Basically, 2026 is the year Hugh Jackman proves he can do literally anything—from talking to sheep to bleeding out in a medieval forest.
Next Steps for Fans: Keep an eye on the official A24 social channels for the full-length trailer of The Death of Robin Hood, which is expected to drop closer to the spring. If you want to prep for the tone, go watch Michael Sarnoski’s Pig or A Quiet Place: Day One—it’ll give you a much better idea of the "quiet intensity" he's bringing to the Sherwood legend than any previous Robin Hood movie will.