Thescreescore – Hugh Jackman’s latest cinematic venture, "The Death of Robin Hood," has made an impactful debut on Rotten Tomatoes, securing a robust 64% fresh rating from its initial 22 reviews. This gritty, R-rated reimagining from A24 casts Jackman as an older, haunted version of the legendary outlaw, grappling with the shadows of his past deeds. The film’s early critical reception marks a significant moment for the enduring saga of Sherwood Forest, positioning it as the most critically acclaimed English-language adaptation of the Robin Hood mythos since 1976’s "Robin and Marian."
The 64% score is particularly noteworthy as it potentially shatters a nearly 35-year streak of Robin Hood adaptations failing to impress critics, with most falling below the 60% threshold since 1991. While it doesn’t quite reach the perfect 100% scores of classics like 1922’s "Robin Hood" or 1938’s "The Adventures of Robin Hood," nor the 77% achieved by MGM+’s recent 2025 series, "The Death of Robin Hood" carves out its own distinct and respected niche. Its success is a testament to director and writer Michael Sarnoski’s bold vision, which steers clear of the traditionally lighthearted adventure often associated with the character.
Critics have largely lauded the film for its refreshing, albeit remorseful, take on the hero’s narrative, imbuing his legacy with a profound sense of weight and consequence. Hugh Jackman’s performance, in particular, has been singled out as a tour de force, powerfully conveying the emotional burden of an outlaw at the twilight of his life. However, the film hasn’t been without its detractors. Some reviewers found Sarnoski’s execution occasionally faltered, describing the tone as overly cynical, the violence as gratuitous, or the pacing as deliberately slow. The R-rating, attributed to strong bloody violence, was a point of contention for a segment of critics, distinguishing it as one of the few adaptations to embrace such a mature classification, alongside the TV-MA rated MGM+ series.
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Inspired by the 17th-century ballad "Robin Hood’s Death," this A24 production promises a darker, more introspective journey into the heart of the legend. Joining Jackman in this compelling ensemble are Jodie Comer, Bill Skarsgård, Murray Bartlett, and Noah Jupe. With a runtime of 123 minutes, "The Death of Robin Hood" is poised to offer a starkly different perspective on a character beloved for centuries. Audiences can witness this audacious new chapter unfold when the film arrives in theaters on June 19, 2026.
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