Phil Roberts 
The new Robin Hood series on MGM+ is a glorious ten-episode rollercoaster ride that takes us beyond the myth and adds new layers to the man behind the hood.
We all have our favorite iteration of Robin Hood. Whether you’re a fan of Walt Disney’s classic animated adventure or Kevin Costner’s Prince of Thieves, we’ve all grown up with one foot in Sherwood Forest. But what happens when a visionary director teams with a phenomenal writer to craft the most intricate exploration of the Robin Hood legend? The result is the new Robin Hood series streaming on MGM+. Written by Jonathan English, John Glenn, Kenny Ryan, and Jacob Roman, and directed by English, the series aims to take a deep dive into the mythology to deliver the most authentic, grounded adaptation of the legend to date.
With relative newcomers Jack Patten and Lauren McQueen cast as Rob and Marian, respectively, and the seasoned talents of Connie Nielsen and Sean Bean guiding the production, the series has all the makings of an instant classic. However, can this talented team of writers and showrunners, along with a mix of experienced and younger actors, deliver the series we’re hoping for? Or should this adaptation of the Robin Hood legend remain hidden in Sherwood Forest?
REVIEW
Fear not, dear readers, because Jonathan English’s Robin Hood is nothing short of sensational. The series delivers a refreshingly grounded adaptation of the legend, coupled with the trademark swashbuckling the story is famous for. The result is a glorious ten-episode rollercoaster ride that takes us beyond the myth and adds new layers to the man behind the hood. With its glorious cinematography, exceptional production value, winning performances from its leads, and seasoned brilliance of its legacy stars, the series is the definitive adaptation of the source material.
The series makes the most of its nearly 10-hour runtime by thoroughly developing each character within its lore and expanding the legends in rich detail. From Little John to Friar Tuck and the Sheriff of Nottingham to Will Gamewell (aka Will Scarlett), every member of the lore is explored and presented with energetic freshness-and the result is intoxicating.
THE SERIES
Thankfully, the series leaves no stone unturned when it comes to the lore and mythology. In a recent Q&A I attended, Jonathan English and John Glenn detailed the lengths they went to deliver the most accurate version of events ever committed to film, and it shows. It isn’t often that a writer and director confidently declares their project to be the definitive version of a myth. However, after immersing myself in the entire series, I wholeheartedly support this claim. After spending nearly 10 hours in Sherwood Forest, I can personally attest to the love and attention to detail that this team has infused into the series.
From the divide between Normans and Saxons to the clash of religions, the series goes above and beyond to present the most accurate portrayal of the British landscape of the time. The narrative even dabbles with the spiritual beliefs of the time, and the results are all the more rewarding. What’s more, the story has been expanded beyond previous pop culture adaptations of the lore to include the crucial historical role of Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. Portrayed by the incredible Connie Nielsen, who has an affinity for history and scripture, the actor has produced a character of genuine quality and assuredness.
THE CAST
Nielsen is a veteran of these projects, but rarely is she afforded the chance to apply her knowledge of history to a character like Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. After speaking with the actor recently, I found her passion for the period to be truly captivating. Her deep connection to the historical figure shines through in her performance. This is not an actress merely going through the motions for a paycheck; she strives to deliver an authentic portrayal of one of England’s most influential queens. As a result, the show is significantly richer for it.
The same can be said for Sean Bean as the nefarious Sheriff of Nottingham. Traditionally, the Sheriff is portrayed as a ruthless, money-driven figure desperate to maintain his control over Nottingham and its trade links to London. However, in this depiction, the Sheriff is stripped down to reveal the man behind the myth. Sean Bean brings his experience to this material, showcasing his talent more effectively than ever in this role. Yes, the character still governs with an iron grip. Still, instead of a tyrannical caricature, we are rewarded with a compassionate human being forced to commit unspeakable acts by events beyond his control.
THE SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM
In staying true to the time period, the Sheriff finds his actions influenced by the greedy lords he aligns with, namely the sleazy Earl of Huntingdon and the money-grabbing bishop. Despite ruling over Nottingham with a degree of law and order, the Sheriff finds himself placating Huntingdon at every turn, and it is here where our adventure truly begins.
We are quickly introduced to Godda, the spirit of Sherwood Forest, and her significant importance to the Saxons who live beneath its trees. The series immerses us in a rich tapestry of superstition, as Hugh Locksley (Tom Mison) shares stories with his son, Rob, about Godda and the fearsome hunter she enchanted and transformed into a stag. These tales are not just bedtime stories; they serve as the foundation of Robin Hood’s legacy and are woven throughout the ten-episode series.
These stories reveal that the Locksley family once ruled Locksley Hall. However, after the Norman invasion, all Saxon lands were plundered and transferred to the new Norman Lords, who aimed to eliminate the Saxon presence, with the Earl of Huntingdon installed as the hall’s new custodian.
ROB AND MARIAN
The Locksley clan has been forced to live as foresters in Sherwood, while Huntingdon seeks any opportunity to eliminate the family once and for all. However, without legal precedent, the new Lord lacks any legal grounds to do so. Things take a drastic turn when Rob matures into a man and finds himself enchanted by the Earl’s young daughter, Marian. It is at this point that we meet the young actors who will carry this bold adaptation forward.
Cast as Rob, we meet young Australian newcomer Jack Patten, who will eventually grow into the legendary Robin Hood. One can be forgiven for doubting casting an Australian actor as the great and very English Robin Hood. But after meeting him and discussing his role in the series, his energy and passion for the character are undeniable. From the moment Patten arrives on the screen, we feel his presence and flock to his banner. It is rare for an actor to command the screen the way Patten does, and this translates into the character. In Rob, we meet a young, well-spoken, eager, but reserved young man setting out to discover his place in the world, and these traits make him instantly relatable.
JACK PATTEN AND LAUREN McQUEEN
Patten’s energy literally oozes through the screen. From the first moment he picks up a bow and arrow to the final scene of the finale, he becomes Robin Hood in every way. Make no mistake, this isn’t the romanticized version of the character portrayed by Errol Flynn or Kevin Costner; this is a genuine portrayal of a forester’s son thrust into a downward spiral perpetrated by the greedy, rich, and empowered Lords that once took everything from his family. The result is the most grounded, realistic, and engaging version of the character ever committed to screen. If this is a taste of the talent the actor possesses, I look forward to seeing where his journey turns next.
Taking on the role of Maid Marian is the charming Liverpudlian Lauren McQueen. Although taking on a role of this significance is a daunting task, the former Hollyoaks star effortlessly dons the costume and commands the screen, matching her co-star every step of the way. Like Patten, her energy quickly becomes intoxicating, and she imbues Marian with a youthful freshness rarely seen from the character. The same can be said about this iteration in general.
Instead of casting her as the traditional damsel in distress, John Glenn and Jonathan English have stripped the character back and presented us with a far more historically accurate version for this outing. In this version, we meet Marian before she becomes a maid; she is simply a lord’s daughter who is fascinated by the customs and beliefs of the Saxon people. Her curiosity leads her to the Locksley family, and she soon becomes inseparable from Rob, despite her father’s intense disapproval.
THE CALL OF DESTINY
As the legend suggests, the duo quickly fall in love, and although the world around them begins to burn, their connection remains unbreakable. Thankfully, Patten and McQueen rise to the challenge here and deliver a duo viewers can invest in. The excellent screenplay is littered with wonderfully tender moments that bring out the actor’s best qualities. Instead of the swashbuckling hero and his star-crossed lover, our new duo is depicted as teenage lovers forced apart by the ravages of time and court, all the while their eternal bond remains unbreakable.
Fortunately, before everything descends into chaos and the legend unfolds as we all expect, the duo has the opportunity to explore their connection more deeply than in any previous version. This is a significant advantage of having a ten-hour first season. The opening episodes take the time to truly establish the characters and delve deeper into their love story, allowing us to empathize with them even more. The well-paced screenplay enables the characters to grow closer naturally, making their interactions particularly captivating. At times, I found myself holding my breath, hoping they would finally embrace. Thankfully, these moments are just a glimpse of the love story that will develop, and with the talented performances of Patten and McQueen, the journey becomes all the more rewarding.
SUPPORTING CAST
Thankfully, it isn’t only Patten, McQueen, Bean, and Nielsen who shine here. The series boasts a treasure trove of supporting talent, and they bring some of the most captivating and influential characters to life. Marcus Fraser delivers a larger-than-life performance as Little John, and Angus Castle-Doughty charms us as the spirited Friar Tuck. Lydia Peckham shines in the previously underexplored role of Priscilla of Nottingham, the Sheriff’s daughter, and Henry Rowley turns in a scene-stealing performance as the criminally underused Will Gamewell / Will Scarlett. But perhaps the pick of the bunch is the phenomenal Steven Waddington as the Earl of Huntingdon.
Slipping into the role of the villain is a thankless task, but here Waddington delivers a Lord we can all despise, and he deserves all the acclaim for it. Although the factual identity of the Earl remains a mystery, his role in the Robin Hood legend is undeniable, and his influence is instrumental here. After portraying King Richard in a previous adaptation of the myth, it is terrific to see Waddington return to the material and be rewarded with a ten-episode story arc. He takes to the role with ease and presents a villain we can all despise, and that is the hallmark of a great talent.
SETTING AND SOUNDTRACK
If the glowing performances aren’t enough to win over the casual viewer, the production value will. The show boasts one of the most luxurious wardrobes of all time. From Rob to Marian and the Sheriff to Queen Eleanor, the cast are rewarded with some glorious costumes, which are only accentuated by the incredibly realistic sets produced for the show. After seeing the exterior sets firsthand, I can say that the show is a visual delight. From the grandest castles to the simplest foresters’ cottages, the sets are among the most detailed and lavish I’ve encountered in any Robin Hood project. They create a realistic atmosphere that is hard to match. After watching all ten episodes, I find myself longing to return to jolly old England, and that is the hallmark of a great series.
Finally, rounding out the project’s brilliance is the wonderfully atmospheric score by Federico Jusid. The Argentine composer cut his teeth on period pieces like this, and his score reveals a practiced hand. The score for Robin Hood is far more traditional than most iterations. Where Michael Kamen’s score for Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves was heroic and bombastic, Jusid’s is a nod to old English heritage, packed with folk music and weighted themes that accentuate the material. Of course, Rob is rewarded with a heroic, passionate main title, but the traditional treatment conjures the essence of a bygone era, banished to time, and the project feels more legitimate as a result. In the end, the soundtrack caps off what is a truly remarkable adaptation of the lore, with plenty of adventures still waiting to be told.
VERDICT
Overall, Robin Hood is a sensational adaptation of the lore. From the sharp and engaging screenplay to the spectacular performances of its entire cast, the show is a triumph. From its rich production value and lavish costumes to the brilliantly weighted soundtrack, the series reaches a level of quality others can only aspire to.
Jonathan English and John Glenn were blatantly sure of themselves when they announced that their show was the definitive adaptation of the Robin Hood mythology. But based on the ten-episode series, I find myself in complete agreement. This show is a rare gem filled with legitimate passion and love for the legend. If this is a sample of what they can achieve, one can only hope that MGM+ greenlights a second season without delay, because I cannot wait to see Jack Patten and Laren McQueen slip into costume again.
Robin Hood is often called a prince of thieves, but in this series, he is portrayed as a lost soul fighting for a cause—robbing the rich to feed the poor. So head over to MGM+, pour yourself an ale, and settle in for ten weeks of historical brilliance.
The two-episode premiere of Robin Hood is available to watch on MGM+ now. New episodes will premiere weekly.
Meet Phil Roberts! He’s the dedicated owner, daily content manager, and editor-in-chief of The Future of the Force. Phil is a budding novelist who turned his passion toward writing about the franchises he loves back in 2016. He’s a huge fan of all things Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Phil is a BFI-accredited journalist and a distinguished member of the Film Critics Association UK.
If he’s not catching a movie at the cinema, you can bet he’s streaming something just as awesome!
