‘The Death of Robin Hood’ Secures Streaming Success After Theatrical Disappointment
Hugh Jackman has returned to non‑superhero territory with Michael Sarnoski’s R‑rated adaptation of the 17th‑century ballad Robin Hood’s Death. The film, titled The Death of Robin Hood, has turned a modest theatrical performance into a notable streaming achievement, setting a fresh benchmark for adult‑oriented fantasy projects.
Set in 1247 A.D., the story follows an aging, grizzled Robin Hood (Jackman) living in self‑imposed exile. A lifetime of theft, murder, and endless conflict has left him broken and hardened, a far cry from the heroic champion of the poor. When his former companion Little John (Bill Skarsgård) tracks him down to settle a personal score, the ensuing battle ends in catastrophe, leaving Robin gravely wounded. He awakens on a remote, tranquil island where he is cared for by Sister Brigid (Jodie Comer). As his past inevitably catches up, Robin confronts the cycle of violence he helped create, offering a dark, introspective exploration of revenge, morality, and redemption.
The film’s somber tone and uneven second half divided audiences, yet it earned critical praise for its ambitious deconstruction of the romanticized folklore. Rotten Tomatoes reports a 69% critic rating versus a 56% audience score. Commercially, the movie grossed $9.5 million worldwide against a $20 million budget, falling short of expectations in theaters.
However, The Death of Robin Hood has found a durable audience on streaming platforms. According to FlixPatrol, the title has remained on the Apple TV Store charts for more than 80 days and continues to appear on Amazon’s listings after nearly two months, underscoring its growing appeal and establishing a new streaming milestone for R‑rated fantasy films.