MGM+'s bold reimagining of the Robin Hood legend is gearing up for a second season, and the cast just got a major boost with three new additions. Colin O'Donoghue, best known for his role as Captain Hook on Once Upon a Time, is trading his pirate hat for a crown as Prince John. He'll be joined by James Purefoy (Rome) as King Henry II and Luke Roberts (The Batman) as the ambitious nobleman Amaury D’Montfort.
The series, which stars Jack Patten as the outlaw hero Robert Locksley, has been a critical and ratings success, earning a 77% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Season 2 promises to expand beyond the forests of Nottingham, diving into the political machinations of the English and European courts. This shift in setting will bring new challenges and alliances for Robin and his Merry Men.
New Faces, New Threats
Colin O'Donoghue's Prince John is described as power-hungry and cowardly, a classic interpretation that fans of the legend will recognize. James Purefoy, fresh off his role as King of Eternia in Masters of the Universe, brings gravitas to Henry II, a king with grand plans for his kingdom. Luke Roberts rounds out the trio as D’Montfort, a nobleman eager to curry favor with the royals, adding another layer of intrigue.
These additions signal a more politically charged season, as the show's creators, Jonathan English (Ironclad) and John Glenn (Elevation), aim to deepen the world-building. The series has been praised for its modern characterization and medieval action, with Collider's Maggie Lovitt noting it "rights the wrongs of past adaptations and delivers fully-formed and deeply compelling characters across the board."
What to Expect in Season 2
With production underway in Serbia, Season 2 is set to explore the fallout from Queen Eleanor of Aquitane's (Connie Nielsen) machinations and the Sheriff of Nottingham's (Sean Bean) relentless pursuit of Robin. The addition of royal figures like Henry II and Prince John suggests that the stakes are higher than ever, as Robin's fight for justice may soon clash with the crown itself.
For fans of fantasy and historical drama, this season is shaping up to be a must-watch. The show's ability to blend action with political intrigue has drawn comparisons to hits like Game of Thrones, and the new cast members bring a wealth of experience in both genres. O'Donoghue's turn as Prince John is particularly intriguing, given his history playing morally complex characters.
No release date has been announced yet, but with production in full swing, updates are expected soon. Stay tuned for more news on this exciting series.
