In the realm of folklore, few figures are as beloved as Robin Hood, the legendary outlaw who stole from the rich to give to the poor. However, A24’s upcoming film, The Death of Robin Hoodstarring Hugh Jackmanaims to shatter the myth, presenting a far more brutal and violent portrayal of the iconic character.
The film’s tagline, He was no herosets the tone for a revisionist take on the classic tale. But how historically accurate is this new interpretation? To find out, we turned to writer and director Michael Sarnoskiwho shared insights into his research and creative process during an interview on the Filmmaker Toolkit podcast.
The evolution of a folk legend
According to Sarnoski, Robin Hood is likely an amalgamation of several individuals, rather than a single historical figure. The first written accounts of Robin Hood emerged two to three centuries after the 13th century, when he was supposedly active. These accounts were based on oral stories that evolved and became romanticized over time.
To ground his film in historical context, Sarnoski conducted extensive research into life in 1274 ADparticularly in the Celtic fringewhere principal photography took place in Northern Ireland. His research revealed a stark reality: Day-to-day survival was hard, and fighting back then was brutal.
A brutal world for a brutal outlaw
Sarnoski’s film explores what a bandit and outlaw would look like in a world already steeped in extreme violence. Even the original Robin Hood ballads contain morbid and horrifying elements, with Robin Hood engaging in activities far from heroic. He’s going around chopping off people’s heads, wearing them on his shoulders, and pretending to be themSarnoski explained.
This brutal backdrop led Sarnoski to question the traditional portrayal of Robin Hood. Maybe that turned into these kind of folk stories, but he definitely murdered some folkshe admitted. The film delves into this darker side, presenting a more complex and morally ambiguous character.
Inspiration from historical figures
Growing up, Sarnoski was captivated by the lighter stories of Robin Hood, particularly the 1971 Disney animated film. However, his perspective shifted when a mentor gave him a book from the 1940s containing canonical Robin Hood stories, including The Death of Robin Hood.
Inspired by this story, Sarnoski sought to reinvent the characters, drawing from historical figures like Hildegard von Bingena polymath nun known for her theological, musical, and healing abilities. In the film, the prioress, played by Jodie Comerbecomes a leader of a commune, caring for orphans and lepers.
When the prioress takes in and heals a half-dead Robin Hood, the film explores whether the prince of thieves can find salvation and if his healer can discover who he was before she showed him a new way of life.
The Death of Robin Hood is now playing in theaters. To hear more from Sarnoski, subscribe to the Filmmaker Toolkit podcast on AppleSpotifyor your favorite podcast platform.
