The upcoming film The Death of Robin Hood, starring Hugh Jackman, is set to premiere in theaters on June 19, 2026. Production began in early 2025 after Jackman joined the project in 2024, with the movie being positioned as a darker, grittier take on the legendary outlaw story.
Cast and Filmmaking Team
Alongside Hugh Jackman, the film features a supporting cast that includes Jodie Comer, Bill Skarsgård, Murray Bartlett, Noah Jupe, and Faith Delaney. Michael Sarnoski, who directed Pig and wrote the screenplay, leads the project. The producing team comprises Aaron Ryder, known for the Oscar-nominated film Arrival, Andrew Swett, and Alexander Black. This collaboration aims to present a more intense version of Robin Hood’s narrative than previous adaptations.
A24’s Strategic Release Timing
The Death of Robin Hood will open on the same day as Pixar’s Toy Story 5, with the two films seemingly targeting distinct audiences. A24’s choice to launch a serious, R-rated thriller concurrently with a major family-friendly animation suggests a deliberate counter-programming strategy. Other notable releases bookending this date include Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi film Disclosure Day and Scary Movie 6 on June 12, and the superhero movie Supergirl hitting theaters on June 26.
A Fresh, Mature Interpretation of a Classic Tale
True to its title, The Death of Robin Hood explores a darker dimension of the outlaw’s legend, depicting a version of Robin Hood grappling with a severe injury that forces a reckoning with his violent past. This mature, R-rated approach contrasts with many previous versions, which often adopted a lighter or more romanticized tone.
Legacy of Robin Hood in Film and Television
Robin Hood has been depicted in various notable films, from Errol Flynn’s 1938 classic The Adventures of Robin Hood to Disney’s 1973 animated version, which remains beloved despite mixed critical reception. Other adaptations include Sean Connery’s Robin and Marian (1976), Kevin Costner’s Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991), Mel Brooks’ satirical Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993), and Ridley Scott’s 2010 take starring Russell Crowe. Recently, MGM+ released a Robin Hood TV series in late 2025, which received a 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, further highlighting continued interest in the legend.
Hugh Jackman’s Versatile Career and New Role
Hugh Jackman, known for roles such as Wolverine in the X-Men franchise and his performances in Les Misérables, The Greatest Showman, and Australia, is taking on a significantly darker character with this film. Just shy of achieving EGOT status, Jackman has won an Emmy for hosting the 58th Tony Awards, a Grammy for his work on The Greatest Showman soundtrack, and a Tony Award for his lead in The Boy from Oz on Broadway.
What to Expect and the Film’s Impact
With its June 2026 release, The Death of Robin Hood promises to bring a tense, uneasy atmosphere to the well-known tale, exploring Robin Hood’s violent legacy and his fallibility. By positioning the film alongside lighter entertainment, A24 appears to be appealing to an audience seeking a serious, intense narrative amid the summer slate. Given the star power of Jackman and the creative team’s track record, the movie could influence future reinterpretations of classic folklore through a more complex and adult lens.
The Death of Robin Hood. Only in theaters June 19 pic.twitter.com/wXEwn9ccgy
— A24 (@A24) February 3, 2026
