The tale of the charming outlaw who steals from the rich and gives to the poor is as classic as they come. For 700 years, Robin Hood’s story has enamored audiences, and has proven to be one of pop culture’s most enduring icons.
From storybooks to radio plays, to more modern animations, and even to the big screen with the likes of Kevin Costner and Russell Crowe, the story of Robin Hood has certainly seen many incarnations, but this latest looks set to be his greatest yet.
Next week, cinema-goers will be introduced to the new Robin Hood, this time played by Taron Egerton (Kingsman), as a war-hardened crusader, who seeks to lead a revolt against the English crown. The film stars Jamie Foxx (Django Unchained) as Little John, a Moorish Commander intent on revenge, Jamie Dornan (Fifty Shades of Grey) as Will Scarlet, Tim Minchin (Jesus Christ Superstar) as Friar Tuck, Ben Mendelsohn (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) as the Sheriff of Nottingham, and relative newcomer to the screen, Eve Hewson, as Maid Marian. That’s quite a lineup, but this film is much more than just its star power.
This project has been such a high priority for Lionsgate Studios since development began in 2015, so much so that they actually delayed filming for an entire year to accommodate for Egerton’s Kingsman schedule, just so that he could play the titular character!
In a high-pressure industry where time really is money, such dedication to casting the role perfectly, and the willingness to wait so long to make it work, shows that the studio has real confidence in their film.
With the final trailer being dropped not long ago, we were shown more of the humorous side of Robin Hood. Though the film looks distinctively darker than its predecessors, the on-screen chemistry of Egerton and Foxx suggests that there will be some light-hearted elements too.
With such a mixed bag of tones and styles, characters, and the older films to live up to, this Robin Hood has to pull off quite a balancing act, but we’re incredibly eager to see this action-driven incarnation on the big screen.
Speaking with ET earlier this year, Egerton said, “It has its darkness, but it’s fun.”
“And the action is so cool — I find two hours is a second in this movie. Like, it’s really cool. I can’t wait for people to see it.”
With franchise films like Star Wars, MCU, and DC dominating the ticket sales at the moment, it may, ironically, be the 700-year-old folk story that injects some new life into the summer movie season.
With some of Hollywood’s freshest and most sought after faces leading the charge, it’s sure to hold its own in the battle of the box office. Robin Hood is set for a November 22 release date, just in time for the holidays(!), so be sure to escape to the cinemas and catch this film!
