Hugh Jackman is keeping busy—and keeping fans guessing. In a recent interview, the actor opened up about his upcoming projects, including the gritty reimagining The Death of Robin Hood, a potential new team-up with Ryan Reynolds, and a role in Ridley Scott's Treasure Island adaptation. Here's everything we learned.
A Darker Take on a Legend
Directed by Michael Sarnoski (Pig, A Quiet Place: Day One), The Death of Robin Hood takes a subversive approach to the classic tale. The story picks up with an aging Robin Hood, played by Jackman, who is grappling with a life of crime after a battle injury leaves him near death. Fatally wounded, he finds himself in the care of Sister Brigid (Jodie Comer), who offers him a chance at salvation and a new perspective. The cast also includes Bill Skarsgård as Little John, Murray Bartlett, Clive Russell, and Noah Jupe.
Jackman shared that the film explores themes of redemption and reckoning, but his character is "past that, who just wants out." He added, "There is no redemption. Then things get complex. When he meets Jodie's character, things start to open up."
An Accidental Moment of Intimacy
One of the film's most memorable scenes came about by accident. During a grueling fight sequence shot in Northern Ireland, Jackman and fellow actor Elijah Ungvary were so exhausted from long takes in the mud and cold that they simply collapsed on top of each other. Jackman recalled, "I get to the bit where I kind of climb on top of him to finish up the job, and I just couldn't move, and he couldn't either. We're just lying there. I was just lying with my head on his chest." Director Sarnoski loved the raw intimacy and kept the moment in the film. "There's this weird sort of intimacy in this brutal hand-to-hand combat," Jackman said.
Praise for Murray Bartlett
Jackman also singled out co-star Murray Bartlett, who plays a leper in the film. After a rehearsal, Jackman was so moved by Bartlett's performance—delivered entirely through his eyes and voice due to heavy prosthetics—that he urged Sarnoski to film it immediately. "I was like, 'That is one of the best performances I've seen, and that needs to be on film immediately,'" Jackman said. "I very rarely say to a director, 'Shoot this one,' but I knew I was the only one who saw up close."
Another Ryan Reynolds Reunion?
Fans of the Deadpool & Wolverine dynamic will be thrilled to hear that Jackman teased another collaboration with Ryan Reynolds. While he didn't reveal specifics, the prospect of the duo reuniting on screen has already sparked excitement. For more on the Marvel universe, check out our coverage of X-Men '97 Season 2 Trailer Hints at a Massive Deadpool Future in Marvel.
Joining Ridley Scott's 'Treasure Island'
In addition to The Death of Robin Hood, Jackman confirmed he's attached to Ridley Scott's upcoming adaptation of Treasure Island. Details are scarce, but the project marks another high-profile collaboration for the actor. For more on Jackman's latest film, read our review of Hugh Jackman's 'The Death of Robin Hood' Rotten Tomatoes Score: Is It Good?.
With a packed slate that includes a dark reimagining of a folk hero, a potential buddy comedy with Reynolds, and a classic adventure under Scott's direction, Jackman shows no signs of slowing down. The Death of Robin Hood is set to hit theaters later this year.
