Hugh Jackman has undergone a striking transformation for his latest role, appearing unrecognisable as the titular outlaw in the trailer for The Death of Robin Hood. The 57-year-old Australian actor, best known for playing Wolverine in the X-Men franchise, sports a massive grey beard and long silver locks in the upcoming A24 release.
The film, written and directed by Michael Sarnoski, also stars Jodie Comer, Bill Skarsgård, Murray Bartlett and Noah Jupe. In a dark reimagining of the classic legend, Jackman's Robin Hood is a battle-worn loner who has committed murder and crime. The trailer opens with the character admitting that the stories told about him are 'all lies', describing himself as a 'murderous brigand'.
The trailer depicts violent scenes and a gravely injured Robin Hood in the care of a mysterious woman, who offers him a chance at salvation. Jackman told Entertainment Weekly that he was drawn to the script's exploration of power, describing his character as 'a real man' with 'scars, pain, regret and love'. He added that the story has 'weight' and is 'beautiful and human'.
Sarnoski, known for Pig and A Quiet Place: Day One, told the publication that his version of Robin Hood is a 'murderous outlaw' who has lived long enough to see folklore created about him. He also explained that the fight scenes are brutal, 'almost towards feeling like a war movie', with combat 'in the mud' rather than choreographed duels.
While Skarsgård plays a version of Little John, it remains unclear who Comer portrays. Fans have reacted enthusiastically to the trailer on social media, with many praising Jackman's appearance and the reinterpretation of the classic story.
