ArtistDirect News
A24 Releases Dark Take on Robin Hood in The Death of Robin Hood
A24 has released a new film, The Death of Robin Hood, a dark adaptation of the 17th‑century ballad Robin Hood’s Death. The film, directed and written by Michael Sarnoski, stars Hugh Jackman as the outlaw, with Jodie Comer, Bill Skarsgård, Murray Bartlett and Noah Jupe in supporting roles. It premiered at the 73rd Sydney Film Festival on June 12, 2026, and opened in U.S. theaters on June 19, 2026. The 123‑minute feature carries an R rating for strong violence and was distributed by A24.
Sarnoski, known for the 2021 drama Pig and the 2024 sequel A Quiet Place: Day One, has built a reputation for gritty, character‑driven storytelling. His work on Pig earned him several awards, and A Quiet Place: Day One expanded the franchise’s tense atmosphere. In The Death of Robin Hood, he applies a similar focus on mood and moral ambiguity, using a minimalist narrative to explore the darker roots of a familiar folk hero.
The film is based on the early modern English ballad Robin Hood’s Death, catalogued as Child ballad #120. The ballad, which dates to the 17th century, recounts the outlaw’s final days and his eventual demise at Kirklees Priory. By drawing directly from this source, the film presents Robin Hood as a weary, blood‑stained figure rather than a romanticized champion, emphasizing the brutality of his life and the consequences of his actions.
Plot-wise, Jackman’s Robin is wounded after a violent encounter and seeks refuge at a priory in Northern Ireland. He is aided by Sister Brigid, played by Comer, and shelters Little John’s daughter Margaret, portrayed by Faith Delaney. The film also features Noah Jupe as a wounded man who has recently crossed paths with Robin and Little John. The narrative follows Robin’s struggle with guilt, the weight of legend, and his attempt to protect Margaret while confronting his own violent past.
Production took place in Northern Ireland, with cinematography by Patrick Scola, whose work captures the bleak, wind‑blown landscapes that frame the story. The film’s score and sound design, though not detailed in public sources, support the tense atmosphere. Critics have generally praised the performances, particularly Jackman’s portrayal of a hardened outlaw, and the film’s atmospheric realism. Some reviewers have noted the pacing as deliberate, which may feel slow for audiences expecting a conventional adventure.
With its release by A24, The Death of Robin Hood adds to the growing trend of darker, more realistic retellings of classic legends. The film’s premiere at the Sydney Film Festival and subsequent U.S. theatrical release position it for both festival audiences and mainstream viewers. Its R rating and 123‑minute runtime reflect the film’s uncompromising depiction of violence and moral complexity. As the story of Robin Hood continues to evolve, this adaptation offers a stark reminder of the legend’s original, violent origins.
Sarnoski, known for the 2021 drama Pig and the 2024 sequel A Quiet Place: Day One, has built a reputation for gritty, character‑driven storytelling. His work on Pig earned him several awards, and A Quiet Place: Day One expanded the franchise’s tense atmosphere. In The Death of Robin Hood, he applies a similar focus on mood and moral ambiguity, using a minimalist narrative to explore the darker roots of a familiar folk hero.
The film is based on the early modern English ballad Robin Hood’s Death, catalogued as Child ballad #120. The ballad, which dates to the 17th century, recounts the outlaw’s final days and his eventual demise at Kirklees Priory. By drawing directly from this source, the film presents Robin Hood as a weary, blood‑stained figure rather than a romanticized champion, emphasizing the brutality of his life and the consequences of his actions.
Plot-wise, Jackman’s Robin is wounded after a violent encounter and seeks refuge at a priory in Northern Ireland. He is aided by Sister Brigid, played by Comer, and shelters Little John’s daughter Margaret, portrayed by Faith Delaney. The film also features Noah Jupe as a wounded man who has recently crossed paths with Robin and Little John. The narrative follows Robin’s struggle with guilt, the weight of legend, and his attempt to protect Margaret while confronting his own violent past.
Production took place in Northern Ireland, with cinematography by Patrick Scola, whose work captures the bleak, wind‑blown landscapes that frame the story. The film’s score and sound design, though not detailed in public sources, support the tense atmosphere. Critics have generally praised the performances, particularly Jackman’s portrayal of a hardened outlaw, and the film’s atmospheric realism. Some reviewers have noted the pacing as deliberate, which may feel slow for audiences expecting a conventional adventure.
With its release by A24, The Death of Robin Hood adds to the growing trend of darker, more realistic retellings of classic legends. The film’s premiere at the Sydney Film Festival and subsequent U.S. theatrical release position it for both festival audiences and mainstream viewers. Its R rating and 123‑minute runtime reflect the film’s uncompromising depiction of violence and moral complexity. As the story of Robin Hood continues to evolve, this adaptation offers a stark reminder of the legend’s original, violent origins.