MGM+ Orders a New 'Robin Hood' Adaptation
Taron Egerton in the 2018 adaptation of "Robin Hood"
(Photo: Lionsgate)
Pretty much everyone knows the story of Robin Hood. Stories about the legendary British folk hero, who robbed from the rich and gave to the poor, have been around since the fourteenth century, ever since the character first appeared in William Langland's Middle English narrative poem Piers Plowman. And the infamous archer, his band of merry men, and their hideout in Sherwood Forest have captivated audiences from around the world ever since.
There have been adaptations of the legend in virtually every medium imaginable. From feature films and television programs to operas, video games, and comic books, Robin Hood has been everywhere. The character has appeared on The Muppet Show and Sesame Street. He met Doctor Who's Twelfth Doctor. And he may or may not be a direct ancestor of Last of the Summer Wine's Billy Hardcastle. So it probably shouldn't surprise anyone that streamer MGM+ has announced a new ten-part Robin Hood series is in development. The better question is why it's been so long since we last had one.
To be fair, Robin Hood movies tend to arrive fairly regularly. Both Russell Crowe (Gladiator) and Targon Egerton (Rocketman) led big blockbuster feature film adaptations in 2010 and 2018, respectively, and Hugh Jackman (Deadpool and Wolverine) and Jodie Comer (The End We Start From) are set to star in the forthcoming The Death of Robin Hood. But we haven't had a TV take on the legend since the 2006 BBC adventure drama Robin Hood that starred Jonas Armstrong (After the Flood) and Richard Armitage (Missing You).
MGM+ aims to change that with this new series, which hails from Lionsgate Television and writers John Glenn (Seal Team) and Jonathan English (Librarians: The Next Chapter). The duo, along with executive producer Todd Lieberman from Hidden Pictures, aim to put a contemporary spin on the classic story.
The cast of the 2006 BBC adaptation of "Robin Hood"
(Photo: BBC)
“We call MGM+ television for movie lovers and English and Glenn’s Robin Hood is the epitome of our brand promise,” Michael Wright, head of MGM+, said in a statement. “This is a new imagining of the classic tale of the roguish outlaw hero who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. It’s an exciting, smart, sweeping, romantic adventure that brings historical authenticity, psychological depth, and a heightened focus on the relationship between Rob and Marian to the beloved story.”
Described as a smart and sweeping romantic adventure, this new Robin Hood is set in the aftermath of the Norman conquest and will feature greater historical authenticity, increased psychological depth, and a heightened focus on the relationship between Rob and Marian to the beloved story.
“This reimagining will not only feature the thrilling action and adventure that audiences love, but it will also explore the complex human side of these famed characters,” Lieberman said.
Russell Crowe in the 2010 adaptation of "Robin Hood"
(Photo: Universal Pictures)
Here's the series' synopsis.
Following the Norman invasion of England, Rob – a Saxon forester’s son – and Marian, the daughter of a Norman lord – fall in love and work together to fight for justice and freedom. As Rob rises as the leader of a band of rebel outlaws, Marian infiltrates the power at court, as both work together to thwart royal corruption and bring peace to the land.
“Robin Hood is a global brand and a story we’ve both been obsessed with since our youth," English and Glenn said in a joint statement. "We are truly honored to have partnered with MGM+, Lionsgate and Todd, to bring this classic story back to life.”
Production will begin next February at PFI Studios in Serbia, though no casting news has yet been announced. Robin Hood will premiere on MGM+ in the U.S., U.K., Italy, Germany, Spain, Latin America, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
