A24 continues its streak of ambitious, unconventional filmmaking with The Death of Robin Hood, starring Hugh Jackman as a version of the legendary outlaw unlike any we’ve seen before. Written and directed by Michael Sarnoski, the filmmaker who broke through with the acclaimed Pig, the movie presents Robin Hood as an aging, battle-worn warrior grappling with the consequences of a violent life. It’s a darker, more brutal interpretation of the character that strips away much of the familiar swashbuckling mythology in favor of something far more grounded and intense.
A couple of weeks ago, A24 invited me to New York City for a private screening of the film, and I came away impressed. Fans of Kevin Costner’s Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, as well as more recent gritty epics like Logan and The Northman, should find plenty to appreciate here. Sarnoski brings a raw, visceral style to the material, while Jackman delivers a commanding performance that ranks among his strongest work in recent years. The action is brutal and uncompromising, and the film’s willingness to challenge audience expectations may surprise some viewers. If I had one criticism, it’s that the final act slows down considerably compared to the rest of the movie, but the emotional payoff ultimately makes the journey worthwhile.
While in New York, I also had the opportunity to sit down with both Sarnoski and Jackman for a one-on-one interview. The timing was perfect, as it happened on the day of Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Jackman, a passionate New York sports fan, immediately bonded with me over basketball before we shifted gears to discuss the movie. During our conversation, we talked about filming in Northern Ireland, the extensive combat training Jackman underwent to bring this hardened version of Robin Hood to life, and the challenges of reinventing such an iconic character. Rather than focusing on Wolverine, I also asked him about the possibility of revisiting another famous role: Van Helsing.
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