Hugh Jackman’s Robin Hood finds a streaming audience
Hugh Jackman’s latest R-rated action thriller, The Death of Robin Hood, has moved from a disappointing cinema run to the top of the US movie streaming charts.
Jackman remains strongly associated with Wolverine after 24 years playing the live-action version of the character. His most recent appearance as James “Logan” Howlett, 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine, earned more than $1.3 billion worldwide. Away from superhero films, his notable credits include The Prestige, The Greatest Showman and this year’s The Sheep Detectives.
That dependable profile did not translate into a successful theatrical release for The Death of Robin Hood. The A24 production opened in June and became a major box-office disappointment, but its fortunes have changed quickly on streaming.
What is The Death of Robin Hood about?
The film began streaming on HBO Max on October 16. Within a few days, Michael Sarnoski’s darker interpretation of the famous outlaw had reached No. 1 among movies on the US service.
Sarnoski, who previously directed Pig and A Quiet Place: Day One, leaves behind the cheerful, swashbuckling version of Robin Hood familiar from films such as 1991’s Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and the 2010 Robin Hood, starring Kevin Costner and Russell Crowe respectively.
Jackman instead plays a Robin Hood shaped by violence, regret and cynicism. The marketing makes that change clear with the line “no hero”, presenting the character as a troubled former criminal rather than a straightforward noble outlaw.
The official synopsis describes the story this way:
After a lifetime of crime and murder, Robin Hood is badly wounded following a battle he believed would be his final one. A mysterious woman takes him in and offers him the possibility of redemption.
The cast also includes Jodie Comer, Bill Skarsgård, Noah Jupe and Murray Bartlett. You can find more background on the film in this film reference entry.
A difficult theatrical run
The combination of Jackman’s name and A24’s involvement suggested that The Death of Robin Hood could attract a sizeable cinema audience. Instead, the 123-minute action thriller took in just under $9.9 million worldwide against a reported $20 million budget during its theatrical run.
The film divided both reviewers and viewers. It holds a 69% Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score, while its audience score is considerably lower. The mixed response did not stop HBO Max subscribers from giving the film a stronger second opportunity.
What comes next for Michael Sarnoski?
Sarnoski’s next A24 project may give him another chance to reach a broader audience. He is attached to direct the live-action adaptation of Kojima Productions’ Death Stranding, which is expected to begin filming in Iceland and Northern Ireland in 2027.
The film’s move from a failed cinema release to a streaming success is a reminder that audience interest can shift dramatically between platforms. For more entertainment and gaming industry coverage, visit the RETROCADE Arcade Blog, browse arcade industry videos, or explore the Arcade Machine Buying Guide.
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