Hugh Jackman has long been a household name, thanks to his iconic portrayal of Wolverine in the X-Men saga. But beyond the claws and adamantium, Jackman has built a diverse career spanning musicals, dramas, and even a magician rivalry with Christian Bale in The Prestige. This year, he took on one of his most challenging roles yet in The Death of Robin Hood, a gritty reimagining that initially flew under the radar at the box office but is now finding its audience on streaming.
Directed by Michael Sarnoski, known for his work on Pig, this adaptation strips away the romanticism of the legendary outlaw. Set in 1247, the film follows an aging, battle-worn Robin Hood (Jackman) living in self-imposed exile. Haunted by a lifetime of violence and theft, he's a far cry from the heroic figure of folklore. When his old comrade Little John (Bill Skarsgård) resurfaces with a personal vendetta, a confrontation goes horribly wrong, leaving Robin gravely wounded. He's taken in by a mysterious nun, Sister Brigid (Jodie Comer), on a remote island, where he must finally confront the cycle of bloodshed he helped create.
The film's somber tone and philosophical themes—revenge, morality, redemption—make it a slow-burn experience that divided critics and audiences alike. It currently holds a 69% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences gave it a lower 56%. The $20 million production only managed to gross $9.5 million worldwide, a disappointing theatrical run that might have spelled doom for a lesser star.
But the story doesn't end there. According to FlixPatrol, The Death of Robin Hood has spent over 80 days on the Apple TV Store charts, and it's also been a consistent presence on Amazon's streaming rankings for nearly two months. This streaming success is a testament to the film's staying power and Jackman's enduring appeal, even when a project doesn't immediately click with mainstream audiences.
For fans of Jackman's more dramatic work, this is a must-watch. It's a far cry from the spectacle of Deadpool & Wolverine, but it showcases his range as an actor. If you're in the mood for a dark, character-driven fantasy that doesn't shy away from the ugly side of heroism, this is worth a stream. And if you're looking for more under-the-radar gems, check out our list of underrated adventure films that deserve a second look.
While The Death of Robin Hood may not have been the box office juggernaut some expected, its streaming longevity proves that compelling storytelling can find its audience over time. For those who appreciate a bleak fantasy with moral complexity, this film is a hidden gem. And for Jackman fans, it's a reminder that his talents extend far beyond the superhero genre.
As the film continues to perform well on Apple TV+, it's clear that word-of-mouth is slowly building. Whether you're a longtime fan of Jackman or just curious about a different take on Robin Hood, this is one streaming pick that's worth your time. Stay tuned for more updates on this and other streaming hits.
