Hugh Jackman's New R-Rated Robin Hood Movie Gets First Reactions

The Death of Robin Hood receives its first reactions, and they’re aiming straight for the bullseye.

The legendary figure from English folklore, a highly skilled archer and swordsman, has been adapted to the screen countless times over the years, including Kevin Costner’s Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) and Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood (2010) starring Russell Crowe. The upcoming A24 movie from Michael Sarnoski, starring Hugh Jackman, will serve as a dark reimagining of the Robin Hood legend.

Now, following its world premiere in New York City, the first reactions to The Death of Robin Hood have surfaced on social media, and they are largely praising it as a brutal and emotionally rich reimagining that favors introspection over spectacle. Hugh Jackman’s performance and the movie’s haunting atmosphere stand out, though some found its slow pacing and story less satisfying. See some of the reactions below:

JoBlo.com declares, “Fans of The Northman and Logan will enjoy A24’s BRUTAL and unique take on Robin Hood. Go see Death of Robin Hood!“

Matt Neglia of Next Best Picture says the film lives up to its dark expectations: “THE DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD lives up to its title as it’s a grim march to an inevitable conclusion for its titular character played with raw intensity, ruggedness, and weathered gravitas by Hugh Jackman. Bleak even by Michael Sarnoski’s standards, the first third is brutal, muddy, and action-heavy while the remaining two thirds are a somber character study that deconstructs the Robin Hood myth to show us how one man chooses to face his mortality. Could’ve used more Bill Skarsgård because when he’s on screen, he’s so captivating. Same for Jodie Comer, who I feel could do this kind of role in her sleep. The exceptional cinematography, score, makeup, production and costume design all create a world far removed from any traditional Robin Hood adaptation. And while I admire its attempt to subvert expectations and deliver something more profound, I can’t help but feel like the story is still missing something to make it even more impactful.”

Courtney Howard of Variety offers strong praise for the film, stating, “Michael Sarnoski’s #TheDeathOfRobinHood RIPS!Bold & brutal, this is a kinetic, brilliant new generational legend and a profound rumination on mortality. Hugh Jackman, Jodie Comer & Bill Skarsgård are unassailably exceptional. Pat Scola’s cinematography, exhilarative & painterly“

Junior Felix of The Hollywood Show calls The Death of Robin Hood one of the best films of the year, “Michael Sarnoski’s #TheDeathOfRobinHood is Ferociously EPIC!! It’s hauntingly visceral & super transfixing. Led by a SUPERB cast, Gorgeous cinematography, and breathtakingly vicious action sequences, this is hands down one of the years best!“

Darren Movie Reviews says the movie has more in common with James Mangold’s Logan than audiences may anticipate, “Balancing a brutal rage and reflectiveness in a character driven drama, The Death of Robin Hood is the atmospheric and eerily haunting A24 approach to the famed outlaw. It’s a purposeful, somber and character driven story that reconciles the legend with the violence committed by Robin Hood, forgoing the traditional action film audiences are used to with this character that shares more similarities to James Mangold’s Logan than you would expect. Hugh Jackman is excellent as always, giving a strong, silent yet powerful performance as Robin Hood, while the supporting cast of Jodie Comer, Murray Bartlett, Bill Skarsgård, Noah Jupe and Faith Delaney never miss a beat. Michael Sarnoski accomplishes what he sets out to do with a tenderness that hits the right emotional notes, delivering a thematically rewarding film, even if it its pacing and gloomy atmosphere makes it a true downer“

Nick van Dinther of Bite Size Break says the film has its strengths but ultimately didn’t work for him, “Although THE DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD has its moments, it was a long and arduous watch. Some solid performances aren’t able to make up for the vague and disconnected story. This one just didn’t work for me.”

Bill Bria writes, “THE DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD is one of the best films of 2026. Michael Sarnoski has made another tender meditation on mortality, vengeance, & redemption. Hugh Jackman plays Robin like King Lear, & it’s brilliant. Pat Scola’s lens captures the beauty amidst the bleakness. Magnificent.”

Josh Parham writes, “THE DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD trades in the familiar mythical story for one that is an introspective examination of cyclical traumas on the road to redemption. Sarnoski presents a brutal yet somber world, utterly captivating in its meditation. Jackman delivers a strong performance.”

Brandon Lewis writes, “Knocked out by The Death of Robin Hood. It unfolds in reverse, with some of the year’s most shocking violence before settling into a subtly powerful meditation on the tight binds of legacy. Hugh Jackman is at his weary, grounded best, while Murray Bartlett’s grace is shattering.”

Meagan Navarro writes, “Much like A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE, THE DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD is an intense and profoundly moving story of meeting your end on your own terms. Michael Sarnoski is 3 for 3 in making excellent films that make me cry. It’s also insanely, brutally violent in a way I didn’t expect.”

Cole Groth writes, “THE DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD is a nice return to form for Sarnoski, meditative and visually profound with Hugh Jackman’s best performance in years. It’s a shame the whole thing draaaags to a disappointingly slow pace, with not much to say. Worth a watch, but a minor letdown.”

Gavin Spoors says, “This film is going to cause a lot of discourse, but I thought it was excellent. A rare film where every department is firing on all cylinders. I wasn’t too sure about the ending, but the more I sit with it, the more I love it.”

Hugh Jackman aiming an arrow in The Death of Robin Hood

Written and directed by Michael Sarnoski (Pig, A Quiet Place: Day One) as a dark adaptation of the 17th-century ballad Robin Hood’s Death, the upcoming film finds the aged outlaw archer haunted by a lifetime of crime and bloodshed, and left critically wounded after what he believed would be his final battle. Taken in by a mysterious woman, he is given an unexpected opportunity for redemption.

Other than the Oscar-nominated Hugh Jackman (Les Misérables) in the lead role of Robin Hood, the cast also includes Emmy winner Jodie Comer (Killing Eve), Bill Skarsgård as Little John (Robin Hood’s companion), Emmy winner Murray Bartlett (The White Lotus season 1), Noah Jupe, and Faith Delaney.

Overall, the reactions point to a bold and violent reworking of Robin Hood that leans into mood and mortality more than traditional heroics. Many admire the cast, especially Hugh Jackman, its striking visuals, and is often compared to Logan in tone. Still, the pacing drags for some, and the story doesn’t fully land for everyone, but it’s shaping up to be a must-see.

The Death of Robin Hood releases in theaters on June 19, and will also premiere at the 73rd Sydney Film Festival on June 12.