Hugh Jackman has defended his recent transition into dark, physically demanding independent cinema at the world premiere of his new film, “The Death of Robin Hood,” per indiewire.com.
Speaking at the AMC Lincoln Square 13 premiere and a subsequent press briefing at the Whitby Hotel, the Australian performer addressed a recent pattern in his career that has seen his characters die in three separate film releases within a six-month period, including the summer title The Sheep Detectives.
The upcoming A24 release, directed by 30-year-old filmmaker Michael Sarnoski, offers a grim, revisionist take on the English folklore figure. The narrative focuses on the final days of the legendary outlaw, exploring the darker, violent historical realities of the myth before its political transformation in the 1500s.
Jackman revealed that the project was fast-tracked after producer Aaron Ryder shared Sarnoski’s script. Impressed by the director’s debut feature, Pig, Jackman committed to the low-budget production to help secure independent financing. The role required the actor to undergo hours of prosthetic makeup to appear a decade older and endure harsh location filming in the mud and cold of Northern Ireland.
Reflecting on the grueling production based out of Belfast, Jackman described the physical toll of the film’s action sequences, citing a particularly exhausting night shoot for a central fight scene. He noted that the film’s narrative intentionally challenges the traditional, heroic perceptions of Robin Hood, leaving audiences to question whether the character was a genuine cultural hero or a brutal murderer.
The actor credited director Sarnoski with bringing an undisciplined ease to his performance, comparing his distinct directorial vision to previous collaborators including Darren Aronofsky, Christopher Nolan, Denis Villeneuve and Baz Luhrmann.
Addressing his broader career strategy, Jackman stated that the commercial and critical success of risky projects like The Greatest Showman and the R-rated Logan provided him with the financial freedom and professional confidence to pursue unconventional material. His current portfolio includes the musical drama “Song Sung Blue,” an upcoming adaptation of Treasure Island written by Jack Thorne, and the low-cost New York theatre company Together, which focuses on accessible, microphone-free staging of new writing.
“The Death of Robin Hood,” which co-stars Jodie Comer, opens in cinemas on Friday, June 19.
•Featured image: Hugh Jackman at ‘The Death of Robin Hood’ world premiere held at AMC Lincoln Square 13 on June 10, 2026 in New York/John Nacion/Variety
