A24 has unveiled the official trailer for The Death of Robin Hood, a visceral and meditative reimagining of the classic Robin Hood legend directed by Michael Sarnoski and starring Hugh Jackman as an aging, battle-worn outlaw. The trailer was released on January 6, 2026, introducing audiences to a dramatically different interpretation of the legendary figure than previous cinema adaptations.
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Trailer Content and Visual Presentation
The trailer presents a haunting character study of an aging Robin Hood grappling with a lifetime of violence and crime. Jackman’s Robin Hood is depicted as having a past marred by crime and murder, finding himself gravely injured after a battle he thought would be his last, with Jodie Comer’s mysterious woman helping him survive and offering him a chance at salvation.
The visuals emphasize a stark departure from swashbuckling adventure narratives, instead focusing on the heavy physical and psychological toll of living a life of violence. In the trailer, Comer tells Jackman “I owe you an apology” and “You begged for me to let you die,” while Jackman confesses “I’ve killed so many, I could not give you a count”, establishing the film’s tone of regret and mortality.
Cast and Character Overview
| Cast Member | Character | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Hugh Jackman | Robin Hood | Logan, X-Men franchise, Broadway performances |
| Jodie Comer | Mysterious Woman | Killing Eve, 28 Years Later, Villanelle role |
| Bill Skarsgård | Little John (mentored version) | It: Welcome to Derry, Nosferatu, It franchise |
| Murray Bartlett | Undisclosed role | The White Lotus, Welcome to Chippendales |
| Noah Jupe | Undisclosed role | A Quiet Place, Honey Boy, young actor veteran |
| Faith Delaney | Little Margaret | Young protagonist befriended by Robin Hood |
| Elijah Ungvary | Hendrie | Supporting role in ensemble cast |
Bill Skarsgård plays a version of Little John whom Robin Hood once mentored, establishing character relationships within the darkened narrative framework.
Director Michael Sarnoski’s Vision
| Career Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Previous Films | Pig (2021), A Quiet Place: Day One (2024) |
| Recognition | Critical acclaim for character-driven storytelling |
| Filmmaking Style | Grounded, visceral, emotionally complex narratives |
| Upcoming Project | Death Stranding adaptation for A24 |
| This Production | First 35mm film shoot for Sarnoski |
| Filming Timeline | Production wrapped April 2025 |
| Creative Philosophy | Earthiness combined with mythic storytelling |
Director Michael Sarnoski described the film as “powerful” and a dark reimagining, stating “It has been an incredible opportunity to reinvent and freshly innovate the story we all know of Robin Hood” and “This is not the story of Robin Hood we’ve all come to know. Instead, Michael has crafted something far more grounded and visceral“.
The Death of Robin Hood marks Sarnoski’s first time shooting on 35mm film, which he says upped everyone’s game, with the filmmaker noting there’s “a charge that it gives you — we’re burning film right now, this is the real deal“.
Thematic Elements and Tone
The Death of Robin Hood appears to be somewhat in the Logan mould, with touches of The Green Knight and The Northman, featuring grit and intensity sitting side by side with the mythic. The film represents a deconstruction of the Robin Hood legend, emphasizing mortality, regret, and redemption rather than heroic adventure.
The Merry Men have long since dispersed, and the vibrant green of Sherwood Forest has faded into a somber, wintry grey, with the film functioning as a haunting character study of a man grappling with a lifetime of violence.
Hugh Jackman’s Transformation and Performance
Jackman appears dramatically transformed for the role, sporting a rugged, weathered appearance with long grey hair and matching beard. Jackman appears transformed, sporting a rugged, weathered look that suggests this will be one of the most demanding performances of his career.
Jackman appears to be lending the character serious “Old Man Logan” vibes, giving Robin Hood a tone as never before seen in film. The visual transformation and performance approach suggest Jackman’s commitment to embodying an aged, world-weary version of the legendary outlaw.
Executive Producer Role
Hugh Jackman has also signed on to become an executive producer alongside Sarnoski, Rama Gottumukkala, Jon Rosenberg, and Natalie Sellers, indicating his deep investment in the project beyond acting.
Production Scale and Creative Team
The film is produced by Aaron Ryder, Andrew Swett, and Alexander Black, with cinematographer Pat Scola capturing the dark, grounded aesthetic.
The creative team includes editor Andrew Mondshein and production designer David Lee, establishing professional credentials for delivering a prestige A24 release.
Release Strategy and Theatrical Positioning
The film is scheduled for theatrical release in 2026, positioned as a prestige A24 film rather than a franchise blockbuster. The darker tone and character-driven narrative align with A24’s brand of ambitious, auteur-driven cinema.
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FAQs
When will The Death of Robin Hood be released in theaters?
The Death of Robin Hood is scheduled for theatrical release in 2026, though A24 has not announced a specific release date. The film will receive a prestige theatrical release befitting A24’s distribution strategy.
What is the plot of The Death of Robin Hood?
The film depicts an aging Robin Hood grappling with his past after a lifetime of crime and murder. Gravely injured after a final battle, he encounters a mysterious woman (Jodie Comer) who offers him a chance at salvation and redemption before his eventual death.
How does this Robin Hood differ from previous adaptations?
This reimagining eschews traditional swashbuckling adventure for a dark, meditative character study emphasizing the psychological and physical toll of violence. The film explores mortality, regret, and redemption rather than heroic theft narratives.
Who directed The Death of Robin Hood?
Michael Sarnoski wrote and directed the film. Sarnoski is known for character-driven storytelling in films like Pig and A Quiet Place: Day One, bringing his distinctive auteur sensibility to the Robin Hood legend.
Is this Hugh Jackman’s first collaboration with A24?
Yes, The Death of Robin Hood marks Jackman’s first feature collaboration with A24 Studios. Jackman also serves as an executive producer on the project alongside director Sarnoski and other creative producers.
