Hugh Jackman has built a career on versatility, from musicals like The Greatest Showman to gritty superhero epics like Logan. His latest project, The Death of Robin Hood, takes a decidedly darker turn, reimagining the legendary outlaw as a broken, aging man haunted by his violent past. While the film struggled to find an audience in theaters, it's now enjoying a major resurgence on streaming, topping the charts on HBO Max.
Directed by Michael Sarnoski, the film is set in 1247 and follows an aged Robin Hood living in self-imposed exile. This is no swashbuckling hero; instead, Jackman portrays a grizzled thief whose years of crime have left him physically and emotionally scarred. When his old comrade Little John (Bill Skarsgård) tracks him down seeking help with a personal vendetta, a confrontation goes horribly wrong, leaving Robin gravely wounded. He's rescued by a nun named Sister Brigid (Jodie Comer), who nurses him back to health on a remote island. But his past inevitably catches up, forcing him to confront the cycle of violence he helped create.
The film's themes of revenge, morality, and redemption are a far cry from the family-friendly adventures often associated with the Sherwood Forest legend. This mature, introspective take divided critics and audiences alike, with a 69% Rotten Tomatoes score from critics but a lower 56% from viewers. The movie's somber tone and uneven pacing likely contributed to its disappointing box office haul of just $9.5 million worldwide against a $20 million budget.
Despite its theatrical struggles, The Death of Robin Hood has found a new life on streaming. According to FlixPatrol, it's currently the number one movie on HBO Max's domestic chart, outpacing popular titles like The Housemaid and Backrooms. This surge in viewership, particularly during the Halloween season, suggests that audiences are now discovering the film's unique, gritty take on a classic tale.
Jackman's performance is being praised as one of his most compelling in recent years, showcasing his ability to bring depth to even the most flawed characters. His portrayal of a man grappling with the consequences of his actions resonates with viewers who appreciate character-driven storytelling. The supporting cast, including Comer and Skarsgård, also delivers strong performances that elevate the film's emotional stakes.
For fans of fantasy films of the 2020s, The Death of Robin Hood offers a refreshingly grounded alternative to the genre's usual epic scope. It's a character study that uses the Robin Hood mythos to explore universal themes of guilt and redemption. While it may not be for everyone, its success on streaming proves that there's an appetite for darker, more introspective takes on familiar stories.
As the film continues to climb the streaming charts, it's clear that The Death of Robin Hood has found its audience, even if it took a different path to get there. Whether you're a fan of Jackman's previous work or just curious about this unconventional take on a classic hero, it's worth checking out on HBO Max. And if you're looking for more fantasy recommendations, be sure to explore our list of top fantasy TV shows with perfect Rotten Tomatoes scores.
