Film Review: THE DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD (2026): A Dark Redemption Tale Salvaged by Hugh Jackman’s First-Rate Performance

The Death of Robin Hood Review

The Death of Robin Hood (2026) Film Review, a movie written and directed by Michael Sarnoski and starring Hugh Jackman, Jodie Comer, Bill Skarsgård, Jade Croot, Katie Breen, Fintan Shevlin, Faith Delaney, Noah Jupe, Clive Russell, Richie Wilson, Elijah Ungvary and Murray Bartlett. 

Michael Sarnoski’s tale of sorrow and redemption, The Death of Robin Hood, is a long (two hours-plus with end credits), often dark, attempt at showing how Robin Hood (Hugh Jackman) comes to terms with his ultimate fate. Sarnoski (Pig) is no stranger to dark stories, but The Death of Robin Hood is not an easy watch at all. It’s unapologetic in its earnest attempts at showing Robin’s regrets and frustrations. Also, seeing different types of animals constantly being skinned by a character in the film feels like a bit much for a movie centered on a legendary movie character. Still, Jackman excels in his difficult role here, making the audience respect him despite his many flaws and criminal history.

Jade Croot’s character, Wainwright, is one of the first missteps The Death of Robin Hood makes. This film makes this character grim and flat while turning Robin into a villain at the film’s outset. It’s not a good idea to have two unlikable characters to start off a film and even though Robin eventually seems to have some redeeming qualities, the movie starts off on the wrong foot and doesn’t save face until about half way in. The opening scenes are graphically violent and set the tone for the rest of the film. If you don’t like the first 15 minutes, flee the theater because it doesn’t get less gruesome to watch the more it goes on.

Bill Skarsgård portrays Edward, who serves as Little John, Robin Hood’s closest confidante. Little John sets the stage for future plot developments and Skarsgård is up to the task of keeping the movie interesting despite all the doom and gloom that is showcased on-screen. Soon, Robin finds himself being treated by Sister Brigid (Jodie Comer) and meeting a young girl named Margaret (Faith Delaney) who he forms a bond with. Other characters include the young Arthur (Noah Jupe) who may have a secret agenda and a leper (Murray Bartlett). None of the male characters other than Skarsgård feel necessary to the plot, but Jupe and Jackman do share an excellent scene together as Robin gets to figure out more about “Arthur” and his true motives.

The Death of Robin Hood is dark and gloomy, but well made from a technical standpoint. It’s surprising anybody could see what they were shooting while making scenes in this movie and the fact that the darkness doesn’t detract from the solid central characterizations is impressive. Jackman begins to reveal layers to his character while he and Comer have interactions where Brigid talks about the mysteries of life. Comer delivers one of her least developed performances to date, but she is totally dedicated to the role she plays here. It is Delaney who truly shines in her role as Margaret, adding tremendous sophistication to her child character who is coping with life’s uncertainties and finds Robin a mentor of sorts.

The last scene is brilliant as a key character learns how to shoot an arrow under Robin’s guidance. This sequence was inspired and ends the film on an intriguing note. It’s a shame so much of the beginning of the movie falters because it picks up the slack in a midsection that has moments of clarity regarding Robin’s own conflicts and his eventual personal salvation.

Jackman has never been more vulnerable on-screen. He creates a man who has a violent edge that has dictated a brutal life for himself that has been led with integrity but with little respect for human life. Comer’s work is not to be completely dismissed as the actress gives the performance a lot of what is needed to make the role succeed in the context of the film. It is Comer’s least showy role to date and she pretty much acquits herself admirably in the role.

The Death of Robin Hood is too violent to be a wholly successful film, yet its strengths come in large quantities. Hugh Jackman looks beaten up in many sequences in the film as Robin encounters one life-altering experience after another. Its hard to imagine another actor in this part thanks to the depth Jackman adds to the character.

This film is as far away from the Kevin Costner Robin Hood film from the early 1990’s as can be and though I didn’t expect it to be anything like that picture, know what you’re getting into if you choose to see this film. Sarnoski’s brutal images and dark tone set the stage for a tale of redemption that could please fans of movies that are bleak, but have a genuine reason for being so.

The Death of Robin Hood is a gritty personal tale of the famed title character told with a style all of its own. Sarnoski doesn’t hold back on the violence, but the movie will find an appreciative audience because of Jackman’s presence in the film.

Rating: 7/10

Leave your thoughts on this The Death of Robin Hood review and the film below in the comments section. Readers seeking to support this type of content can visit our Patreon Page and become one of FilmBook’s patrons. Readers seeking more film reviews can visit our Movie Review Page, our Movie Review Twitter Page, and our Movie Review Facebook Page. Want up-to-the-minute notifications? FilmBook staff members publish articles by Email, Mobile App, Google News, Apple News, Feedly, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, Pinterest, Reddit, Telegram, Mastodon, Flipboard, Bluesky, and Threads.