Hugh Jackman Drops Major Hint: Another Ryan Reynolds Team-Up Post-'Deadpool & Wolverine'?!

Director Michael Sarnoski's new A24 film, "The Death of Robin Hood," offers a darkly reimagined exploration of the fabled hero, picking up the story in Robin Hood’s later years as he grapples with his violent past and life of crime. Starring Hugh Jackman as Robin Hood, the movie takes a subversive approach to the traditional lore. Fatally wounded after a battle, Robin Hood finds himself in the care of Sister Brigid (Jodie Comer), who presents him with a path toward salvation and a new perspective on life. The ensemble cast also features Bill Skarsgård as Robin's former partner, Little John, along with Murray Bartlett, Clive Russell, and Noah Jupe.

Hugh Jackman recently shared his insights into the film during an interview with Collider's Steve Weintraub. Jackman revealed that an intimate and unexpected moment was captured on camera during a brutal hand-to-hand combat scene in Northern Ireland. Exhausted from long takes in the cold mud, Jackman and fellow actor Elijah Ungvary, who played his opponent, collapsed, with Jackman resting his head on Ungvary's chest. Director Michael Sarnoski loved the raw intimacy of the moment and included it in the final cut. Jackman also lauded Murray Bartlett's phenomenal performance as a leper, noting his powerful and emotional portrayal despite extensive facial prosthetics. Jackman was so moved by Bartlett's acting during rehearsal that he urged Sarnoski to film it immediately, recognizing the ephemeral nature of such a profound moment and the prosthetics.

Reflecting on Robin Hood's character arc, Jackman explained that he saw Robin not as someone initially seeking forgiveness or redemption, but rather as someone who just wants out of his violent existence. He believes that true complexity arises when Robin encounters Jodie Comer's character, Sister Brigid, leading him to desire absolution and the ability to live with himself. Ultimately, Robin aims to do something for others, shifting his focus from his lifelong self-serving actions. Jodie Comer further elaborated on this theme, stating that Robin is primarily trying to forgive himself and make peace with his own conscience, acknowledging the inherent light and darkness within all individuals rather than shunning his darker past.

Beyond "The Death of Robin Hood," Jackman teased upcoming projects, including a team-up with Ridley Scott for a "Treasure Island" adaptation, written by Jack Thorne. Jackman expressed his excitement for the project, having been captivated by the script without prior knowledge of the classic story. He also mentioned a docuseries with Ryan Reynolds about their Australian SailGP team, initiated by Reynolds. Meanwhile, Collider also spoke with co-stars Bill Skarsgård, Jodie Comer, and Murray Bartlett, who discussed Michael Sarnoski’s unique directorial style, their immersion into roles, and their favorite Christopher Nolan movies.

Murray Bartlett praised Sarnoski's use of silence and his ability to stretch out moments, similar to a scene in Sarnoski's film "Pig," which Bartlett found deeply reflective of real-life experience. The cast also discussed the appeal of complete physical transformation in roles. Bill Skarsgård, known for disappearing into characters like Pennywise, highlighted the fun and freedom of pretending and playing dress-up, seeing it as an escape from oneself. Jodie Comer expressed her desire for a similar experience, where she could become unrecognizable. Bartlett shared that his elaborate leper prosthetics for the film were surprisingly comfortable and profoundly freeing, allowing him to lose himself and dive deeper into the character. The actors agreed that such transformations act as a kind of armor, fostering greater risk-taking and immersion in their performances. For practical comfort during the Northern Ireland shoot, Comer noted that thermals and UGG boots were essential under their medieval garb. "The Death of Robin Hood" is set to open in theaters on June 19.