Thescreescore – Hugh Jackman’s critically discussed, R-rated reimagining of the legendary outlaw, The Death of Robin Hood, is officially set to make its streaming debut on HBO Max next month, offering subscribers a chance to delve into one of the year’s grittiest cinematic experiences from A24. Following its theatrical run earlier this year, this dark take on the iconic figure promises a visceral and emotionally charged journey for audiences.
Helmed by Michael Sarnoski, the visionary behind Pig, this intense drama casts Jackman as an aging Robin Hood, haunted by a violent past and living in desolate exile. Drawing inspiration from the 17th-century ballad "Robin Hood’s Death," the narrative plunges into a raw, visceral portrayal where Robin, after being gravely wounded while aiding an old comrade, finds a temporary refuge and unexpected companionship within a priory. However, his long history of bloodshed inevitably resurfaces, demanding a reckoning that will test his very soul.
Jackman leads an impressive ensemble cast including Jodie Comer, Bill Skarsgård, Murray Bartlett, Noah Jupe, Faith Delaney, Clive Russell, and Jade Croot. The film’s production commenced in early February 2025 and concluded by late March of the same year, culminating in its theatrical premiere on June 19, 2026, alongside major releases like Disney’s Toy Story 5.
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Despite its compelling premise and strong performances, The Death of Robin Hood faced a challenging theatrical run. The film garnered a mixed critical reception, reflected in its 68% score on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer and a 56% audience approval on the Popcornmeter. Commercially, it struggled to find its footing, earning approximately $9.5 million globally against a reported $20 million budget.
However, the film did receive notable praise from some critics. Thescreescore.com lauded it with an 8 out of 10 rating, highlighting it as "a terrific showing from Sarnoski on his third feature and one of Jackman’s most emotionally raw performances ever." This darker, more grounded interpretation stands in stark contrast to other recent portrayals, including Andrew Garfield’s The Uprising and even the 2010 Robin Hood starring Russell Crowe, which is also available on HBO Max. Jackman himself has had a busy year, also appearing as murder victim George Hardy in The Sheep Detectives in May.
Viewers can mark their calendars for Friday, October 16, when The Death of Robin Hood arrives on HBO Max, sharing its premiere day with the new comedy special Kate Berlant: Parmesan. This release is part of a broader A24 push onto the platform, with another 2026 A24 feature, The Invite, also slated for an October 23 debut. Beyond these A24 offerings, HBO Max subscribers can anticipate a robust lineup for October, including classic horror with the first five A Nightmare on Elm Street films, the complete Ocean’s trilogy and its 1960 predecessor, Corpse Bride, Crazy Rich Asians, and Anyone But You. As for Jackman’s future, he is slated to embody Long John Silver in Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated Treasure Island adaptation, with filming commencing in November.
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