The legend of the Prince of Thieves has been told countless times, but never quite like this. Released in June 2026, The Death of Robin Hood strips away the merry men and the emerald tights, replacing them with a gritty, blood soaked meditation on mortality and redemption.
Directed by Michael Sarnoski, the visionary behind the surprise hit Pig, this film offers a haunting look at an aging outlaw. Starring Hugh Jackman as a battle worn Robin and Jodie Comer as the mysterious woman who holds his fate, the movie has quickly become one of the most talked about releases of the year.
The Death of Robin Hood Release Date and Theatrical Run
The Death of Robin Hood officially hit theaters on 19 June 2026. Distributed by A24, the film opted for a mid summer release, providing a stark, somber alternative to the typical blockbuster popcorn flicks.
While the movie had a strong presence in major theater chains across the United States and the United Kingdom, its run was characterized by its focus on premium large format screens to capture the sweeping, dreary landscapes of 13th century England.
The Death of Robin Hood Cast and Characters
The production features a powerhouse ensemble lead by some of the biggest names in Hollywood and international cinema.
- Hugh Jackman as Robin Hood: Moving away from his superhero roots, Jackman plays an older version of the renegade, tormented by his past of crime and murder.
- Jodie Comer: She portrays the mysterious woman who finds the injured Robin and offers him a final chance at salvation.
- Bill Skarsgård: Taking on a villainous role, Skarsgård provides the looming threat that pursues the aging outlaw.
- Noah Jupe: A young talent who adds emotional weight to the film’s exploration of legacy.
- Murray Bartlett: Rounding out the cast with a pivotal supporting performance.
- Jade Croot: An emerging star who plays a key role in the film’s third act.
The Death of Robin Hood Plot: A Different Kind of Outlaw
Set in the 13th century, the story begins long after the glory days of Nottingham. Robin Hood is no longer the charismatic thief of legend. Instead, he is a man grappling with the psychological weight of his violent history.
After a brutal battle that he believed would be his last, Robin is left gravely injured and alone. His path crosses with a mysterious woman, played by Jodie Comer, who provides him sanctuary. This is not a simple story of recovery, however. As Robin faces his own mortality, he must decide if his life of violence can ever be redeemed. The film explores Christian themes of salvation and the heavy price of a life lived outside the law.
Critical Reception and Rotten Tomatoes Scores
Since its premiere on 18 June 2026, critics have been deeply divided. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has maintained a positive reception from most critics, though many have noted its incredibly somber tone.
| Publication | Rating/Verdict | Key Critique |
|---|---|---|
| Forbes | Positive | Praised the performances of Jackman and Comer. |
| The New York Times | Mixed | Described it as “Not a Merry Band” due to its bleakness. |
| Los Angeles Times | Negative | Called it a “dreary take” and claimed it missed the bullseye. |
| Roger Ebert | Mixed | Compared it to the 1976 film Robin and Marian, noting the shared DNA. |
While some find the “dreary” atmosphere a bold artistic choice, others felt the violence and lack of levity made for a difficult viewing experience. Hugh Jackman, however, has received nearly universal acclaim for his transformative performance.
Where to Stream The Death of Robin Hood
For those who missed the theatrical window, the digital release path is becoming clear. As an A24 production, the film follows a standard windowing process:
- Digital VOD: Expected to be available for purchase and rental on platforms like Apple TV and Google Play by late July 2026.
- Streaming Subscription: The film is slated to eventually reside on Prime Video as part of its catalog of high profile dramas.
- Physical Media: Blu-ray and 4K UHD versions are rumored for release in late 2026, likely featuring behind the scenes interviews with Michael Sarnoski and Bill Skarsgård.
How it Compares to the 17th Century Ballad
The film is a direct adaptation of the 17th century ballad known as Robin Hood’s Death. In the original folklore, Robin goes to Kirklees Priory to be bled (a common medical practice at the time) but is betrayed by the Prioress.
Sarnoski’s version keeps the core essence of this betrayal and the physical decline of the hero but adds layers of modern psychological depth. Unlike the lighthearted adaptations of the 1990s, this film leans into the historical reality of the 13th century: a time of mud, blood, and quiet desperation.
The Death of Robin Hood is a bold, if divisive, entry into the canon of folk hero cinema. By trading bows and arrows for a somber look at a man’s final days, Michael Sarnoski has created a film that sticks with you long after the credits roll. Whether you see it for Hugh Jackman’s career defining role or to see a new take on a thousand year old legend, it is a cinematic event that demands attention.
FAQs
Q. Is The Death of Robin Hood a true story?
No. It is based on English folklore and a specific 17th century ballad. While it uses a 13th century setting, the characters are legendary rather than historical.
Q. How does Robin Hood die in this movie?
Without spoiling the final moments, the film focuses on his succumbence to injuries sustained in battle and the quiet, introspective moments he shares with the mysterious woman leading up to his final breath.
Q. Is this movie a sequel to previous Robin Hood films?
No. It is a standalone reimagining. It has no connection to the 2010 Ridley Scott film or the 2018 version starring Taron Egerton.
Q. What is the age rating for the film?
Due to the gritty violence and mature themes of mortality, the film is rated R.
