A24 has released a gritty first look at The Death of Robin Hood, and it’s a far cry from the classic hero we know. Directed by Michael Sarnoski, the movie stars Hugh Jackman as an ageing, battle-worn Robin Hood struggling with the violent reality of his past.
Instead of a cheerful outlaw, the teaser shows a man haunted by the lives he’s taken and the legends he’s fabricated. After a brutal fight leaves him badly injured, he ends up in the hands of a mysterious woman who gives him one last shot at redemption.
A24 released the first promo teaser of The Death of Robin Hood led by Hugh Jackman
Michael Sarnoski’s The Death of Robin Hood is mainly based on the old English ballad Robin Hood’s Death, which tells a much darker and tragic version of the hero’s final days. Unlike the popular stories that focus on his adventures, this shows how Robin’s life ends.
In the ballad, Robin falls ill and travels to a priory to be treated by a woman who is said to be his relative. He trusts her, believing she will help him recover. However, she betrays him by letting out too much of his blood during a medical procedure, which was a common practice at the time.
However, the story takes a dark turn when she betrays him. She intentionally opens a vein and lets him bleed far too much, locking him in a room to die slowly. In some versions, her lover, Red Roger, also attacks the weakened Robin to ensure his demise.
Speaking about the film’s unique approach, Hugh Jackman shared why this version of Robin Hood feels different from past portrayals. He explained how director Michael Sarnoski focuses on the character’s humanity, showing him as a flawed man shaped by power, loss, and experience. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the X-Men star stated:
“What I love so much about Mike’s vision of Robin Hood is that the script delivered power, and it examines how power can be used for good or bad. Robin Hood is a real man in our story. With all the scars, the pain, the regret, and yes, the love. Mike’s story has weight to it. For me, it’s beautiful and human.”
Alongside Jackman, The Death of Robin Hood features Jodie Comer as the mysterious caretaker, Bill Skarsgård as Little John, as well as Murray Bartlett and Noah Jupe in key roles.
The Death of Robin Hood is directed and written by Michael Sarnoski, who is also a part of the production team alongside producers Aaron Ryder, Andrew Swett, Alexander Black, and Hugh Jackman. The filming was held in Northern Ireland, with filming taking place at locations like Belfast Harbour Studios and surrounding areas.
Written by Sarnoski himself, the film is scheduled to release on June 19, 2026.
Edited by Suchita Patnaha
