EXCLUSIVE: The director of The Death of Robin Hood discusses how he reimagines a timeless story in his A24 movie.

      A classic medieval hero receives a bold reimagining in A24’s The Death of Robin Hood. Penned and directed by Michael Sarnoski (A Quiet Place: Day One), the film follows the legendary archer, portrayed by Hugh Jackman, as he confronts a lifetime filled with violence and regret. After a recent adventure leaves him severely injured, Robin Hood finds an unexpected opportunity for redemption under the care of the enigmatic Sister Brigid (Jodie Comer).

      While Robin Hood has been reinterpreted numerous times in film and television, Sarnoski’s version stands out from its predecessors. By reworking familiar characters and placing them in a brutal, intense narrative, Sarnoski revitalizes a centuries-old legend, making it feel more grounded, tragic, and gripping than ever before.

      In an interview with Digital Trends, Sarnoski discussed depicting Robin Hood as a deeply flawed individual, collaborating with Jackman and Jodie Comer, and utilizing gut-wrenching violence to craft a gritty story about guilt, forgiveness, and redemption.

      How The Death of Robin Hood reinvents iconic characters and stories

      A24 / A24

      Sarnoski explained that his interest in exploring Robin Hood’s downfall stemmed from his childhood exposure to the character’s tales. Although he initially believed that audiences didn’t need another adaptation, he felt drawn to write the film he envisioned before working on A Quiet Place: Day One. Ultimately, he found his screenplay so compelling and emotionally engaging that he knew it had to be turned into a film.

      “I’ve always been fascinated by the legend of Robin Hood’s death,” Sarnoski shared. “It originates from an old ballad that I first encountered as a child, and it always lingered with me as, ‘Wait, what?’ This is how the Robin Hood story concludes. There’s something beautiful and poetic, yet truly simple and human about it. I always knew I wanted to delve into that.”

      Instead of portraying Robin Hood as a youthful rebel challenging injustice, the film shows him as a weathered, regretful outlaw haunted by his dark history. Right from the start, it’s evident that the legendary tales of Robin stealing from the wicked and aiding the innocent were misleading. Instead, Robin emerges as a merciless, thrill-seeking outlaw willing to kill anyone, regardless of age or gender. For every life he took, a cycle of vengeance ensued with generations of relatives seeking revenge.

      As the film unfolds, Robin Hood is depicted as a fierce yet remorseful older man anticipating his end and striving to settle his numerous “blood debts.” Jackman embodies both the fury and the humanity of his character, keeping Robin compelling even in his darkest moments. When Robin seizes the chance for a new beginning, Jackman delivers a powerful performance that elevates this narrative of forgiveness and redemption.

      “[Jackman’s] put a great deal of thought and effort into this character,” Sarnoski remarked. “When he first read the script and we sat down together, it was clear he was deeply moved and engaged by the ambiguities and complexities of the character; he truly wanted to explore it all. I feel fortunate to have worked with incredible actors throughout my career, and Jackman is certainly among them. This film wouldn’t have been possible without him.”

      Jodie Comer provides the film’s emotional core

      A24 / A24

      On the other hand, Sister Brigid presents a fresh take on a central character from Robin Hood mythology: the prioress who betrayed and ultimately killed him by allowing him to bleed out. In this film, Brigid is reimagined as a caring caretaker devoted to safeguarding children and tending to the injured at her priory.

      Sarnoski noted that he specifically crafted Brigid’s character for Comer, stating that she “manages to convey so many layers in her performances, possessing a profound wisdom that feels beyond her years, while also embodying sweetness and a childlike humanity.”

      “It’s a quiet, gentle, and kind character with depth, who carries a great deal,” Sarnoski continued. “The Prioress required someone like her to contrast and [reflect] the intense character of Robin Hood as played by Hugh, and I can’t envision a better pairing.”

      While Robin and Brigid are starkly different from their traditional versions, the tension between them remains pivotal to the narrative. The revelation that Robin killed Brigid’s husband introduces a new, intriguing dynamic rooted in grief, guilt, and forgiveness, infusing Robin’s final expedition with added meaning and emotional weight.

      The film conveys the harsh brutality of medieval life

      A24 / A24

      Popular culture often romanticizes the medieval period, depicting it as a simpler time marked by magnificent castles, noble knights, and thrilling escapades. However, The Death of Robin Hood dismantles that illusion by showcasing the grim realities faced by people during that era.

      The story begins with a peasant girl navigating the loud, windy mountains, establishing a tone as harsh