MGM+ Casts Aussie Newcomer Jack Patton to Lead 'Robin Hood'

It's been nearly a year since the SEC formally announced it would allow movie production house Lionsgate to spin off its homegrown streaming service Starz into two companies. The split has been slow and protracted, with Lionsgate not filing its finalized plan until November 2024. Even as the two companies inch closer to divorce, Lionsgate has realized it needs Starz (and vice versa), and the two companies have made a long-term deal for Lionsgate films to stream on Starz. However, the split is visible in other ways, such as Lionsgate's decision to co-produce its newest adaptation of Robin Hood on MGM+ (one of the few streaming services to boast fewer viewers than Starz) instead of keeping it in the family.

Lionsgate has spent years working on a new Robin Hood adaptation that would mimic the 1991 success of Prince of Thieves. The company first scooped up the rights from Warner Bros. in 2015 and tried to convince Leonardo DiCaprio to star in the big-budget adaptation that followed despite being three decades too old. (So was Kevin Cosner in Prince of Thieves!) DiCaprio wound up producing with the film casting then-unknown Taron Egerton in the title role, and the project proceeded to flop in theaters in 2018. A decade later, Lionsgate is trying again, this time with a TV series, something no one has attempted since the 2006 middling fantasy BBC TV series, which was on par with shows like Merlin. 

Partnering with MGM+ (and Amazon's money), Lionsgate has commissioned a ten-episode first season (TEN? In this economy?!), hoping that more room to tell the story will solve its problems. However, it will stick with one choice: like the film, the TV series cast a newcomer in the title role. Australian actor Jack Patten will take on the title character despite his debut on-screen role on Netflix's War Machine not being out for months yet. There aren't even official photos of him, just a YouTube video from his time studying at The National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA).

The decision to go with an unknown when the series is already buried on MGM+, one of the least watched of the higher-profile American streaming services, seems less than ideal, but then again, considering that most actors don't know MGM+ exists, perhaps getting a known quantity wasn't in the cards. Moreover, with the tech sector suddenly imperiled, several streamers (including MGM+) will likely find the end of the road sooner rather than later. Perhaps Starz should just bide its time until Amazon pulls the plug and Lionsgate winds up returning, hat in hand, and asks to air/stream the show on its original network.

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.

“We are very excited to cast Jack Patten in his first television series leading role,” said MGM+ head Michael Wright about the former Australian football prodigy-turned-actor. “We knew immediately when we saw him that he was our ideal Robin and uniquely able to bring to life this iconic character. Jack brings unique charisma and heart to this new iteration of the classic romantic adventure of a rogue outlaw who steals from the rich to care for the poor and finds his soul mate in the equally powerful Marian.”

Patten is currently the only cast member attached. Jonathan English (The Outpost) will direct and produce the pilot, and Todd Lieberman will executive produce for Hidden Pictures. 

Robin Hood is expected to commence filming in 2025 and arrive on MGM+ (if it still exists) in 2026.