Robin Hood review: MGM+’s reimagining eventually finds its target with Sean Bean as Sheriff

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A star rating of 3 out of 5.

The story of Robin Hood has been adapted many times, including in Disney’s recent film, Robin and the Hoods. Now, a new version on MGM+ explores Robin Hood’s beginnings, adding psychological complexity and drawing on mythology and history to portray a man battling injustice against a tyrannical ruler.

After the Norman invasion in medieval times, the Saxons lost their land and homes and were forced to become outlaws. While the Normans settled comfortably into their new estates, families like Rob (Jack Patten) and his parents, Joan (Anastasia Griffin) and Hugh (Tom Mison), were driven from their home and forced to live in a small cabin in the woods.

The story starts in Rob’s youth, during the Norman conquest. It shows how this takeover deeply impacts his father, Hugh, who loses everything – his land, status, and home. Filled with anger and resentment, Hugh’s volatile temper threatens the entire family, and his wife struggles to keep him calm to ensure their survival.

The first episode explores Hugh’s struggles with his own pride and sense of self-respect, as he’s compelled to submit to a king and a system he doesn’t believe in – a challenge that Rob will eventually face as well.

Most importantly, Hugh teaches his son archery and how to manage his feelings, helping him focus and succeed. The connection between Rob and his father is central to his development, and actor Mison powerfully conveys the strength of that bond—and what happens when it breaks—very early in the story. His father’s death then fuels Rob’s transformation, waking him from a passive existence and sparking the defiant spirit that drives him forward.

This show clearly draws inspiration from Viking sagas and, more recently, shows like Game of Thrones, and is definitely intended for mature audiences. It features explicit sexual content, intense political maneuvering, and disturbing violence, all used to powerfully depict the brutal consequences of invasion. The concepts of fairness and justice have been corrupted by the Normans, who manipulate them to benefit themselves and exploit anyone acting with integrity.

The Saxons’ only chance for survival rests with their connection to the forest and the faerie spirit, Godda (Jelena Gavrilović), who is believed to live within it and safeguard those who are loyal to her. They offer prayers, almost like magic spells, hoping to bolster their courage and believing that someone or something will rescue them from the darkness that has overtaken their homeland.

This is a powerful and deeply rooted story that connects the past to the present. It reflects ongoing issues like people being forced from their homes, land being taken, and those in power abusing it. The resentment felt towards invaders – those who change history and traditions – is completely understandable.

The sheer scale of the story is reflected in how the series was made. Unlike previous versions, like the BBC’s 2006 adaptation, this new Robin Hood is much more ambitious. With significant funding from Amazon and MGM, the ten-episode series features large, detailed sets – both real locations and computer-generated environments – spanning forests, Nottingham, London, and the royal palace.

The show blends historical accuracy with fictional storytelling, resulting in a captivating retelling of the legend that really gets going in the second episode. While the first episode focuses on setting the scene and historical background, the story picks up speed as Rob’s rebellion starts to unfold.

The show benefits greatly from its strong female characters, especially Marian (Lauren McQueen). She’s much more than just a love interest for Rob; she’s a complex woman dealing with a difficult past and pursuing her own goals. The relationship between Rob and Marian, reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet, forms the emotional core of this story.

Marian’s first meeting with Rob, during a childhood frog-hunting trip, starts to reveal the dark secrets about her father. While Huntington (Steven Waddington) is a menacing and manipulative character, he avoids becoming a simple cartoon villain. This makes his pure evil stand out even more when compared to the story’s more complex antihero, the Sheriff of Nottingham (Sean Bean).

Sean Bean delivers a compelling performance as the troubled Sheriff, portraying him with more emotional complexity than we’ve seen before – a man weighed down by the immense responsibility of his position. He’s shown as a deeply human character, haunted by the endless conflict surrounding him, and the film makes it clear that lasting peace is unattainable. The cast is a strong mix of established actors like Bean, Waddington, and Connie Nielsen, who plays the powerful Queen Elena, alongside exciting newcomers such as Patten, McQueen, and Lydia Peckham, all of whom make memorable contributions.

Priscilla, the Sheriff’s daughter, is a powerful and intriguing character. She confidently uses her attractiveness to control others, starting with the Captain of the Guard. Her strong will and rebellious nature make her a compelling villain, especially when contrasted with Marian, who begins as quiet but eventually becomes a brave and vital source of information for the rebels.

This new take on Robin Hood, spanning ten hours, breathes fresh life into the classic story with its intense action, changing loyalties, and emotionally powerful moments. While it might not be the ultimate version, it’s surprisingly impactful, heartfelt, and ambitious – easily standing alongside the best historical dramas. Anyone familiar with the Robin Hood legend, or a fan of the genre, will find it captivating, and its message of standing up to injustice feels especially relevant today.

Robin Hood arrives on MGM+ on Sunday 2nd November 2025.

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2025-11-02 09:35