Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Revisionist take on Robin Hood is bleak, brutally violent.
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The Death of Robin Hood
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What's the Story?
In THE DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD, Robin of Locksley (Hugh Jackman) is alone, looking back at his dishonorable life as a criminal and a killer, a man who never came close to the myth. After suffering a serious injury while defending Little John (Bill Skarsgård) and his family, Robin Hood wanders to a priory, where he's treated with dignity and care by Sister Brigid (Jamie Comer), making him wonder whether it's too late for redemption.
Is It Any Good?
Director Michael Sarnoski turns the legendary champion of the poor into an antihero in this grim, violent, unnecessary action drama. To put it bluntly, The Death of Robin Hood strips away the hope at the heart of the medieval legend. The story of Robin of Locksley and his band of Merry Men has resonated for some 800 years for good reason: We want to believe in a hero who's looking out for the powerless. That's why the story about the man who steals from the rich and gives to the poor has been told through everything from animated films, Looney Tunes shorts, and children's stories to goofy comedies and Sean Connery/Kevin Costner-starring love stories.
Sarnoski may believe he's setting the record straight: Robin was a criminal and a ruthless killer who might have crafted his own legend as a method to manipulate others. The writer-director, so brilliant with his first film, Pig, reimagines the medieval ballad "Robin Hood's Death" here, which lore credits to a double-crossing Prioress. In The Death of Robin Hood, the nun is compassionate and caring, and the prince of thieves is the villain who isn't repentant as much as he's tired. Adults may appreciate the nuances of creating a different perspective, but even they'll need patience, as the storytelling in this movie definitely takes its time. Still, Robin does eventually have something to say: The power of stories make people do terrible things. And then those terrible things become even more powerful stories. There's a truth in that. But even soda and popcorn can't make palatable a film that reduces Robin Hood's legend to the cynical notion that people are selfish, governments corrupt, and heroes are just another scam. The rich have enough victories these days without taking Robin Hood, too.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the legend of Robin Hood began and how it's grown through the centuries. Why do you think this piece of folklore sticks and has remained relevant? How does the version in The Death of Robin Hood compare to others you've seen?
Look up the original ballad "Robin Hood's Death": How do the filmmakers reimagine it here? What's the same? How do you feel about modern writers taking a revisionist angle? What are other examples of this in movies?
Talk about the film's violence. Was it shocking? Thrilling? Both? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
How are men and women depicted in the film? Do you think it's accurate to the time? Do you think there's something admirable in Robin's survival skillset? Do you think some viewers will see his ability to snap a neck or fight an opponent to the death as aspirational?
How do characters demonstrate compassion, perseverance, teamwork, and self-control demonstrated? Why are these important life skills and character traits?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 19, 2026
- Cast : Hugh Jackman , Jodie Comer , Noah Jupe , Faith Delaney
- Director : Michael Sarnoski
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : A24
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Book Characters
- Run time : 123 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong bloody violence
- Last updated : June 16, 2026
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