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We asked Hugh Jackman what it was like to play Robin Hood – and his answer was surprisingly dark

We asked Hugh Jackman what it was like to play Robin Hood – and his answer was surprisingly dark

Hugh Jackman dons the mantle of medieval England’s most famous folk hero in The Death of Robin Hood. Emily Briffett spoke to him to find out more about how he brought the mythic outlaw of the Middle Ages to life

A bearded medieval figure in dark cloak stand in a misty landscape, holding a staff.

Emily Briffett

Published: September 18, 2026 at 3:34 PM

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For the new film The Death of Robin Hood, Hugh Jackman has stepped into the muddy boots of the titular legendary character – one who has captured the imagination as both outlaw and hero. But as Jackman accepts, the historical roots of the character are incredibly murky. For him, this is a positive, not a negative.

Indeed, Jackman is no stranger to mythic roles. And, as a self-proclaimed history enthusiast, he relishes the opportunity to breathe new life into such an ambiguous and storied figure. Jackman suggests that – while some claim Robin Hood was a real outlaw – the legend’s true power lies precisely in these folkloric qualities. “This character feels so larger than life that being able to put my particular stamp on it is a privilege.”

Read more | When and why was the medieval law of outlawry eventually repealed?

But any fans expecting a light, adventurous romp may be surprised. This new cinematic interpretation is a departure from familiar rousing tales of green tights and Merry Men.

“We find him at the beginning of this movie basically wanting to die,” Jackman explains.

That mindset sets the tone, and the rest of the film follows suit. Grappling with the aftermath of a life of violence and crime, Jackman’s version of the character is a darker, more introspective take.

Read more | The real figures who inspired the Robin Hood legend

The role, Jackman suggests, is less a comparison with previous portrayals and more about inhabiting a character weighed down by years of legend and loss. This transformation was physical as well as emotional: “When I put on the hair, makeup and costume for the first time, I could feel the heaviness of that life.”

In a dim candlelit room, a bearded man draws a sword beside a bed.

By candlelight, Hugh Jackman's Robin Hood inspects an arrow | Credit: DORH Holding Co. LLC

Would Hugh Jackman survive the medieval world?

When asked how he would cope in this version of Robin Hood’s world, he admitted he would fare poorly without modern comforts. He added, “I’m soft to the core. I can put up a tent, but that’s about it. I can’t start a fire. I’m not sure exactly how to find water. I think I’d be pretty much dead.”

His own survival prospects may be questionable, but Jackman sees at least one obvious advantage to having Robin Hood around. Asked about the character’s greatest “green flag,” he quips, “Hunting. Helpful, right? If you’re hungry, he’s the guy you want.” And his biggest red flag? “Commitment.”

Read more | The many faces of Robin Hood

In fact, it might be the early modern, post-enlightenment world that would suit Jackman better than the Middle Ages. “If I was born into some kind of station, royalty or wealth, I’d be good… until I got a toothache. I don’t think I’d survive the dentist without Novocaine.”

That said, Jackman did pick up at least one practical skill from his time on set: “I now know how to make a bow and arrow.”

The Death of Robin Hood is in cinemas now.

Authors

Emily BriffettSenior content producer (podcasts)

Emily Briffett is senior content producer (podcasts) at HistoryExtra