Top 10 Robin Hood Portrayals
When it comes to characters that have an endless amount of adaptations, Robin Hood is near the top of the list. Every few years we get a new Robin Hood movie and an actor gets to add the bow & arrow to their arsenal. In honor of the new film, ‘The Death of Robin Hood,’ we’re going to highlight 10 of the best portrayals of Robin Hood in film.
Errol Flynn in ‘The Adventures of Robin Hood’ - While not the first actor to play Robin Hood in film (that honor goes to Douglas Fairbanks in the 1922 silent film titled, ‘Robin Hood’), Flynn was the first actor to become synonymous with the role and is likely still the name most associated with the character. The Australian actor actually only played Robin once, in this 1938 film, but his performance was so iconic that many believe he played the character many times. Considered one of the pioneers of the adventure & swashbuckler film genres, anytime a modern actor plays an adventurous hero they get the comparison to Flynn.
Richard Todd in ‘The Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Man’ - A 1952 live action film from Disney, this film tells the story of the origin of Robin, who sets out to avenge the death of his father. This film was the second full live action film from Disney, after ‘Treasure Island,’ and would also be the first of numerous team ups between Todd and the Studio.
Brian Bedford in ‘Robin Hood’ - I do think this is the definitive depiction of Robin Hood that a majority of people would associate with the character, because it’s likely the first version they encounter. As a kid, I just assumed Robin Hood was always a fox. This 1973 Disney animated film features the vocal talents of Brian Bedford as Robin, who is depicted as a fox, as is his Maid Marian. With a whole cast of animal characters, the film has become more beloved over time and was the studios’ first animated feature fully made after the death of Walt Disney. The film received an Oscar nomination for Best Song, for ‘Love’ which is not even the Best Song from the film, that’s gotta be ‘Oo-De-Lally.’ It had a ‘live action’ CGI remake that was reported, but (thankfully) scrapped.
Sean Connery in ‘Robin and Marian’ - A romantic adventure film focused on an aged Robin Hood, played by Connery. Robin reconnects with his former flame, played by Audrey Hepburn, in what is the only film based on the specific legend known as ‘A Gest of Robyn Hode.’ The film also features Robert Shaw, Ian Holm, Denholm Elliott, and Richard Harris as some of your typical Robin Hood characters.
Kevin Costner in ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’ - The most commercially successful film on the list, this was the second highest grossing film in 1991. It received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song for ‘(Everything I Do) I Do It For You’ and Alan Rickman notched a BAFTA nomination for his performance as the Sheriff of Nottingham. Costner stars and the effective role of Little John (who does still appear in the film) was taken over by the original character of Azeem, played by Morgan Freeman.
Patrick Bergin in ‘Robin Hood’ - Released shortly before ‘Prince of Thieves’ this film fell flat where it’s counterpart succeeded. It was released theatrically internationally, but got pushed to a TV premiere on Fox in the US. Bergin stars as Robin Hood while the big name of the film is Uma Thurman as Marian.
Cary Elwes in ‘Robin Hood: Men in Tights’ - This 1993 is unlike the others on the list, as it is really a spoof of the traditional Robin Hood story. Written, produced, and directed by Mel Brooks the film stars Elwes as Robin in a film that pulls from both the Flynn & Costner films. It was considered a box office success and is beloved by many of Brooks’ loyal fans. This film also marked the debut film role of Dave Chappelle.
Russell Crowe in ‘Robin Hood’ - We had a decent lack of theatrical Robin Hood films after 1993 until the 2010 release of this gritty action adventure from director Ridley Scott. Crowe leads an ensemble full of well known names like Cate Blanchett, William Hurt, & Oscar Isaac and I’d say it’s probably the best historical action adventure film from Scott & Crowe. Or are you not entertained?
Taron Egerton in ‘Robin Hood’ - While Scott’s film did relatively well at the box office and got mixed reviews, this one did neither. Considered a more modern re-telling (though it doesn’t take place in modern times) was unable to earn back its $100 million budget and received 3 Razzie Award nominations.
Hugh Jackman in ‘The Death of Robin Hood’ - The final film on the list and most recent adaptation, this film dropped in theaters this week (assuming you’re reading when the article first drops). It stars Jackman as an aged, withered Robin Hood who reunited with Little John and then finds himself reflecting on his previous crimes and the fabled legends that surround them. I’m not writing an official review so I’ll tell you some thoughts here. Solid performances, good set design and costumes, but the writing falls a little flat in what is a very slow paced film.
