The tale of Robin Hood has been told countless times, from the gripping takes of the early ’90s starring Kevin Costner and Patrick Bergin, to those starring Russell Crowe and Taron Egerton more recently. Every era has had a Robin Hoodand in some cases, several. This makes this final account of the battle royale between Saxon settlers and their Norman counterparts in the 12th century inevitable. Fortunately, legendary actor Sean Bean has been assigned to take on the role of Sheriff of Nottingham and imposes his authority on this latest limited series from MGM+.
Creator John Glenn, who co-wrote it with English filmmaker Jonathan English, certainly chose Bean with his legacy in mind, allowing audiences to contribute their own Lord of the Rings souvenirs for the ride. Indeed, many viewers will see Lord Boromir again under another name (or Lieutenant Colonel Sharpefor those who remember the actor’s previous work); Robin Hood 2025 takes full advantage of Bean’s back catalog, bypassing the theatrical version of the late Alan Rickman and make this Norman overlord a capricious character with an astute strategic mind.
Impeccable scenography and a solid ensemble elevate Robin Hood
From the sumptuous scenography to the costumes that instantly anchor this vision of the 21st century, Robin Hood never feels less than authentic. With a cast that includes Steven Waddington from Slow horses And Gladiator star Connie Nielsen, everything here is designed to disarm the audience. John Glenn and Jonathan English embarked on a world-building exercise of 12th-century castles, golden armor and grandiose landscapes. Above all, the audience is blinded by rigorous attention to detail, before strong character introductions and conflicts of interest make things more interesting.
Most intriguing is newcomer Jack Patten, who makes his debut as the eponymous Robin Hood opposite Lauren McQueen of Outlander: Blood of My Blood. As the daughter of Lord Huntington, Marian represents one of many conflicts that proves to be the lifeblood of Robin Hood; a clash of belief systems, class status, and culture is embodied through the relationship that blossoms. Walking the tightrope between convenience and desire, this connection slowly unfolds across 11 episodes and gives this historical drama the necessary emotional layers.
Queen Eleanor to Marian: In your soul I see that someone resides there.
As Locksley’s Robert moves beyond vengeance and evolves into the mythical figure of Robin Hood, Patten adapts to these changing demands and audiences will be swept away by him. This MGM+ adaptation puts viewers first, and since it’s a story that’s been told many times before, it has to feel fresh. With respect for tradition and awareness of heritage, the series has remained faithful but molded accordingly, injecting fresh blood into the fray.
Erica Ford, who made her biggest impression in Joss Whedon’s short-lived series The Neversprovides strong support throughout Ralph’s role. Alongside Anthony Castle-Doughty’s Friar Tuck, who brings an edge to the ever-growing group of followers who inhabit Sherwood Forest, they form a formidable alliance. The casting of Marcus Fraser Foundation because Little John also takes his hat off to Morgan Freeman and his involvement in Kevin Costner’s film. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, not only embracing diversity in this updated version, but fleshing out the whole beyond those thinly veiled archetypes that audiences will expect.
There’s more to this MGM+ adaptation than meets the eye
Forging a myth from the foundry of legend is another element that gives some backbone to this latest adaptation. The focus on wood spirits, fireside fables, and religious iconography in the early episodes cements this series. At the forefront of setting the tone beyond Sean Bean is actor Tom Mison, best known for See on Apple TV+. As Hugh Locksley, he embodies all the qualities that defined his son Robert and, by extension, Robin Hood. In a small but crucial role, Mison instills courage, patience and a sense of justice in his son and educates the audience about the importance of Sherwood Forest to Saxon culture.
In a role that could have felt one note, viewers are subconsciously able to buy into that mythology because of him. It also opens the debate on a religious front for the first time and asks people to choose sides. Therein lies the moral dilemma behind Robin Hood comes into play and John Glenn makes sure to explore every angle. On the surface, it may look like sabre-rattling and masculine posturing, but underneath, a lingering question of moral uncertainty shapes the show.
Hugh Locksley to Robert: These woods are as old as the Earth. No man will ever possess them.
There is also the debate around Robert of Locksley himself, which explores deeper questions of identity Robin Hood it concerns more than one man. This is one of the central themes that runs throughout the series and challenges belief systems on a broader scale, encompassing debates around institutionalized religion and the dangers of elevating people to icon status, purely through word of mouth. It’s an issue that Robert struggles with, and the audience gets to explore it as his legend grows. However, for people who love their quest for power and their political cloak and dagger, Robin Hood also offers something more conventional.
Robin Hood presents a formidable monarch in Eleanor
Relationships that are both toxic and touching also provide Robin Hood with a little heart and soul. Chief among them is the dynamic between the Sheriff of Nottingham and his unruly offspring Priscilla, played brilliantly by Lydia Peckham (seen soon in Nuremberg against Rami Malek and Russell Crowe). It’s a tumultuous relationship that draws on the political power plays that surround them and gives both actors the opportunity to see a little of the landscape.
Priscilla is calculating, cunning and the ultimate medieval femme fatale, offering a character who is as comfortable ripping off corsets as she is outwitting surrounding men. Measured, manipulative and more than a match for her father, Lydia Peckham takes on Sean Bean in a battle of wills that adds another dimension to Robin Hood. However, there is more than one strong female presence in a show filled with so much unchecked masculinity.
Queen Eleanor to Marian: We are often placed in positions that we did not choose. This does not mean that we do not have power over the men who put us there.
At the center of the fight is Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, played with unwavering self-confidence by Connie Nielsen. This is a woman who has avoided assassination attempts, retained power despite her gender, and sees through her adversaries like glass. It’s a performance defined by femininity but laced with cunning. Neither pompous nor power-hungry, Queen Eleanor sees all sides and is no less of a politician than her male counterparts. For audiences who enjoy their historical dramas steeped in intrigue, Eleanor adds something essential to Robin Hood.
Is this medieval anti-hero still up to the task?
There’s only one problem with this latest adaptation: audiences have seen it all before. This isn’t the fault of creator John Glenn and his co-writer Jonathan English, but simply a case of oversaturation. Taron Egerton was the latest actor to don those green tights and perform Robin Hood for contemporary audiences in 2018. While it never reached the heights of other attempts, seven years later seems too soon for another entry.
However, despite these fears, Robin Hood 2025 manages to achieve the impossible and feel necessary. It engages without cliché and entertains without kitsch or camp. Jack Patten may seem a little too clean-cut and closer to the English upper class rather than the Saxon working class, but he maintains a sense of innocence throughout that will appeal to audiences. Burdened with conscience, but true to his Saxon heritage, this lumberjack turned working-class hero feels like an outsider despite his chiseled jaw.
Robin Hood to the Bishop: Run and tell the sheriff I’m demanding his reward.
In opposition to this newcomer, Sean Bean delivers a Sheriff of Nottingham with depth and decency, someone who struggles with his responsibilities to the crown and maneuvers his way around those plotting to replace him. There is an understated complexity to the performance that some might miss among all this stagecraft, but for those willing to invest, there is something special on offer. It reminds the public that Bean remains an underrated product in an industry where English nastiness could be emblematic, but it continues to be something he can do effortlessly.
Elsewhere, Robin Hood is undermined by the formula as the inevitable romance with Marian plays out. While this provides solid drama at various points, the audience is also aware that this needs to happen. This predictability, which goes hand in hand with the Saxon legend, is inevitable and is at least related to other elements of this adaptation. Ultimately, the MGM+ series checks all the boxes that make this story work, but is also savvy enough to give Robin Hood a new paint job in the process, not only recognizing those who came before, but introducing a new generation to Sherwood Forest and the anti-hero who continues to outsmart the Sheriff of Nottingham.
Robin Hood premieres on MGM+ on November 2.
- Release date
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November 2, 2025
- Network
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MGM+
- Directors
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Jonathan English
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Sean Bean
Sheriff of Nottingham
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Lydia Peckham
Priscilla of Nottingham
- Sean Bean leads from the front as the Sheriff of Nottingham.
- Jack Patten makes an impressive debut as Sherwood’s favorite son.
- Lydia Peckham, Connie Nielsen and Erica Ford make a strong impression.
- Despite a solid cast and a sumptuous set design, Robin Hood does not respect the formula.