Robin Hood has been rebooted countless times, from Errol Flynn's swashbuckler to Kevin Costner's brooding hero. But A24's latest take, The Death of Robin Hood, starring Hugh Jackman, is something else entirely: an R-rated, blood-soaked fantasy that reimagines the legendary outlaw as a grizzled, aging warrior haunted by his past. The film has just debuted on Rotten Tomatoes, and critics are sharply divided.
Currently sitting at 67% on Rotten Tomatoes and 63 on Metacritic, the film is earning praise for its boldness but criticism for its bleak tone. Directed by Michael Sarnoski, the movie follows Robin Hood (Jackman) after he's gravely injured in battle, forcing him to confront the violence he's inflicted over a lifetime. This isn't the merry band of Sherwood Forest—there are few, if any, merry men here.
What Critics Are Saying
Some reviewers are hailing it as a masterpiece. Bob Strauss of the San Francisco Chronicle gave it a perfect 10/10, calling it “a cold hell of mud, blood and homicidal intent.” Meagan Navarro of Bloody Disgusting awarded it 4/5, praising how Sarnoski “got rid of the simple notion of heroes and villains.” Pete Hammond of Deadline described it as possibly “the most demanding Robin Hood you will ever encounter,” but also “the most honest.” Variety's Guy Lodge landed at 7/10, applauding the film's “severity of its reinvention” and its rare focus on “matters of the soul.”
But not everyone is on board. IGN and Slash Film both gave it 7/10, admiring the mood and brutality while acknowledging its limited appeal. The AV Club gave it a C, arguing the film is so committed to going against the grain that it feels “drained of vitality.” The Playlist also gave it a C, calling it technically admirable but emotionally difficult to connect with.
The Cast and Crew
Jackman leads a stellar cast that includes Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) as Sister Brigid, Bill Skarsgård (It) as Edward, Murray Bartlett (The White Lotus) as The Leper, and Noah Jupe (A Quiet Place) as Arthur. Sarnoski, known for Pig, brings his signature intensity to this grim reimagining.
For fans of dark fantasy, this might be a must-see, but it's clearly not for everyone. If you're looking for a lighter take on the legend, you might want to revisit some of the untouchable classics that defined the genre. Alternatively, check out our ranking of the best fantasy movies of 2021-2026 for more accessible options.
Ultimately, The Death of Robin Hood is a divisive film that challenges expectations. Whether it's a bold reinvention or a grim slog depends on your tolerance for mud, blood, and existential dread. But one thing's for sure: this isn't your father's Robin Hood.
