Hugh Jackman’s ‘The Death of Robin Hood’ Lands Surprising Rotten Tomatoes Score In First Review Roundup

The Death of Robin Hood is receiving a mixed response ahead of its official release. The film, directed and written by Michael Sarnoski, stars Hugh Jackman as an older version of the legendary outlaw Robin Hood, and it is already dividing critics after its first wave of screenings.

The film is based on the traditional ballad Robin Hood’s Death and reimagines the famous character in a much darker and more grounded way.

In this version, Robin Hood is no longer the heroic figure from classic retellings. Instead, he is an aging outlaw who is dealing with the consequences of his violent past while recovering from serious injuries. The story focuses on his emotional and physical decline as he is taken in by a mysterious woman played by Jodie Comer.

Other cast members include Bill Skarsgård as Little John, Murray Bartlett, and Noah Jupe. The film is produced by Aaron Ryder, Andrew Swett, Alexander Black, and Hugh Jackman, and it is being distributed by A24. It is scheduled to premiere at the 73rd Sydney Film Festival on June 12, before its U.S. theatrical release on June 19.

Early critical reactions show a clear divide. As of now, the film holds a 64 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 22 reviews. Some critics have praised its ambition and performances, while others have criticized its tone and pacing.

Critics who gave the film a positive review have focused heavily on its performances and its artistic direction. One reviewer, Barry Hertz of the Globe and Mail, praised Hugh Jackman’s performance, writing, “[Hugh Jackman] is a godsend in the title role.” He compared Jackman’s presence to other strong character-driven performances, suggesting that the actor brings emotional weight and stability to the film even when the story feels uneven.

Mark Keizer of MovieWeb also gave a relatively positive review, noting that the film attempts something bold with a well-known legend. He said, “Even if it gives off major Unforgiven vibes and stops short of achieving the profundity it’s reaching for, Sarnoski makes a risky bet on some dusty, public-domain IP, and it mostly pays off.” His comments suggest that while the film does not fully reach its goals, it is still an interesting attempt at a darker reimagining of Robin Hood.

Dan Mecca of The Film Stage also leaned positive, focusing on the film’s themes. He wrote, “Sarnoski is concerned with the act of storytelling, and how each story evolves (or devolves) over time. It’s a fitting focus for a myth such as Robin Hood.” This review highlights the film’s interest in how legends change across generations.

However, not all critics were impressed. Some reviews describe the film as slow, heavy, and emotionally distant. Kristy Puchko of Mashable gave a negative review, calling it “an unpleasant and cynical slog, despite a promising cast.” This reflects a broader criticism that the film’s tone may be too dark or detached for audiences expecting a more engaging narrative.

Marshall Shaffer of The Playlist also gave a negative response, pointing out that while the film has technical strengths, it lacks emotional connection. He wrote, “It’s easy enough to admire the evident technical merits, yes, but difficult to find any element that invites a viewer into the specific, soulful experience of the characters.” His review suggests that the film may be visually strong but emotionally weak.

Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter was also critical, describing the film as overly long and difficult to engage with. He wrote that it becomes “a tedious slog,” and suggested that the pacing drains the impact of its story.

Tim Grierson of Screen International echoed similar concerns, stating, “Pushing too hard to give The Death Of Robin Hood a sense of gravitas, Sarnoski suffocates his story rather than letting its palpable agony envelop the viewer.” His review suggests that the film’s seriousness may work against it rather than enhance it.

Overall, critics are split on The Death of Robin Hood. Some see it as a bold and artistic reinterpretation of a classic legend, driven by strong performances from Hugh Jackman and the supporting cast. Others feel it struggles under its own weight, with slow pacing and an emotional distance that makes it hard to fully connect with. With its release still ahead, audience reactions may ultimately determine whether it is seen as a powerful reinvention or a missed opportunity.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!