Sean Bean Joins MGM+'s 'Robin Hood' as the Sheriff of Nottingham

MGM+'s new Robin Hood adaptation is starting to take shape. The series found its titular folk hero a few weeks ago in newcomer Jack Patten, an Australian actor whose debut role hasn't even hit screens yet. But his nemesis will wear a much more familiar face: Anglophile favorite Sean Bean (Shardlake) will reportedly play the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Traditionally depicted as the archenemy of Robin Hood, he's most often portrayed as an unjust tyrant who mistreats the population of Nottinghamshire by forcing them to pay unaffordable taxes. It is he (and his interests) who Robin most often robs from, redistributing the money to the poor to help them survive. 

In this version of the story, which seems as though it's going to try to tell a slightly more historically accurate (or at least historically based) tale, the Sheriff of Nottingham will be reimagined as King Henry II's cousin, a statesman, and politician who played a key role in the building Nottingham itself. As a result, he must not only contend with the outlaw in the woods but also navigate the dangerous political landscape of twelfth-century England, including the ambitions of Henry's queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and the Norman barons jockeying for power. 

The Sheriff is often depicted as cruel, vengeful, or at least outright villain-coded, but it sounds as though this new Robin Hood will attempt to make him a more three-dimensional figure. Described as cunning and pragmatic, he will reportedly rule with an iron hand, not out of cruelty, but an unshakable belief that the law must be preserved. (I mean... vague Ned Stark vibes, is all I'm saying.)

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 adaptations tend to arrive in our pop culture fairly regularly. The last big feature film version — also called Robin Hood — was back in 2018. It starred Taron Egerton (Lewis) and flopped pretty spectacularly. 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). 

This new series hails from Lionsgate Television and writers John Glenn (Seal Team) and Jonathan English (Librarians: The Next Chapter). It will reportedly aim to put a contemporary spin on the classic story, with greater historical authenticity, increased psychological depth, and a heightened focus on the Rob and Marian relationship.

“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,” executive producer Todd Lieberman said. 

English will direct the series, and Lieberman will executive produce for Hidden Pictures. Production is expected to begin this winter at PFI Studios in Serbia.