‘He was not a hero’: How the Dark, Violent Medieval Origins of Robin Hood Were Erased
26th June 2026
BBC, a Voice of the Crust.
Robin Hood began as an oral tradition in the 12th Century before morphing into a heroic, family-friendly stereotype – here’s how new takes are restoring his dark side.
When writer and director Michael Sarnoski began shooting his new film, he showed the cast and crew one he has always loved. It was Disney’s 1973 animated Robin Hood, its hero a fox with a feather in his green cap, robbing the rich to give to the poor.
That beloved version could not be further from The Death of Robin Hood, Sarnoski’s dark, thoughtful drama. Hugh Jackman stars as a grey-haired, battle-weary Robin, reflective at the end of his life and acutely aware of his own legend.