The Death of Robin Hood is one of the most intriguing movies of 2026, and it might have more in common with Joker than anyone expected. Written and directed by Michael Sarnoski, The Death of Robin Hood is a dark and gritty take on the legend of Robin Hood. After its first trailer made its way online, I couldn’t help but notice the eerie similarities between the film and 2019’s Joker. Yes, you heard that right; The Death of Robin Hood could be this year’s Joker. So dive in with me as I break down the unconventional similarities between two films that, on paper, could not be more different, a true Death of Robin Hood Joker comparison.
If early reactions and the trailer are anything to go by, The Death of Robin Hood could follow a similar path to Joker, both critically and commercially. So Could The Death of Robin Hood become the next Joker?
The Death of Robin Hood vs Joker: Why the Comparison Makes Sense
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A darker, character-driven story
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A psychological breakdown of the main character
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A grounded, realistic tone
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A focus on internal conflict over action
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A transformative lead performance
The new Robin Hood iteration stars Hugh Jackman as the titular character, Jodie Comer as the mysterious woman who takes him under her care, and Bill Skarsgård as Robin Hood’s right-hand man. Jackman plays a bearded Hood, long past his prime and full of regrets. Gravely injured in a battle, Hood thinks he won't survive the week, but a chance encounter with a mysterious woman gives him renewed hope for the future. However, violence soon follows him to his new abode as well, and he is (once again) forced to take up his bow and sword to defend the people he cares about.
Judging by its first trailer, The Death of Robin Hood feels like a bold and refreshing take on the legendary character. Hollywood has a way of neutering stories from our past, and if the internet is to be believed, Robin Hood has been no exception (when compared to its original source material). Evoking the visuals of Vikings and The Northman, this new Robin Hood iteration feels raw and organic. From the misty slopes and shrubs of the Scottish highlands to the fire-lit assassinations of the night, Robin Hood has been given the A24 and Robert Eggers treatment, and we are loving it.
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The Death of Robin Hood Joker comparison
Why the comparison to Joker? On a surface level, the two films could not be further apart. One is a gritty comic book film, while the other is a realistic reimagining of one of history’s most famous heroes. However, a closer look at the two reveals some shocking similarities. 2019’s Joker was always supposed to be a success, but no one saw coming the way it took over the cultural zeitgeist upon release. A character study focused only on Batman’s main nemesis might have sounded crazy on paper, but the way Todd Phillips was able to weave the film into a tragic tale of mental health abuse was something else entirely.
That film caught the minds of the masses during opening weekend, and its sky-high word of mouth meant that it ultimately grossed more than a billion dollars worldwide (a record considered insurmountable for an R-rated film). A swift backlash from some corners of society followed (who accused the film of glorifying violence and belittling mental abuse patients), but the sheer power of the film meant that it was nominated for a whopping 11 Academy Awards. Joaquin Phoenix was the second person to win an Oscar for playing Joker (the first was Heath Ledger in 2008).
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How The Death of Robin Hood Mirrors Joker
The Death of Robin Hood Joker comparison
Like Joker, this Robin Hood story focuses more on the character himself than his legendary exploits. It also chooses to dive into Robin Hood’s sins and the way years of killing and stealing have taken a toll on him. This isn’t easy, because audiences expect Robin Hood to steal from the rich and give to the poor. Most film adaptations have reinforced that image, portraying him as a noble thief fighting injustice and redistributing wealth.
There have been some adaptations, like Ridley Scott’s 2010 epic, that showcase brutal violence, but none have ever attempted to deconstruct the character as we are about to see in the 2026 film. Robin Hood is a brutal bandit here, and being responsible for the death of countless humans, this Robin Hood sees guilt catch up with him, and as a result, he becomes suicidal to the point of no return. Only a chance encounter with a woman and her young girl will return some semblance of normality to his mind, but fate, it seems, has violence in store for him once more.
The Death of Robin Hood Joker comparison
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Like Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker, Jackman looks unrecognizable here as Robin Hood. The film attempts to deconstruct his character, stripping away the myth from the character and focusing on his psyche. The film trades action for internal conflict, pushing the character to face his past and exposing the truth: he was never the spotless hero audiences were led to believe.
A character-driven epic, this Robin Hood feature thus has more in common with Todd Phillips’ film than most people realize.
A highly established actor stepping into a legendary role, a self-reflective story that challenges everything we think we know about the character, and a central performance with real Oscar potential, these are exactly why The Death of Robin Hood could be this year’s Joker. The film hasn’t been released yet, but the parallels between Hugh Jackman’s Robin Hood and Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker are already hard to ignore.
The Death of Robin Hood Joker comparison
If The Death of Robin Hood delivers on its dark, character-driven promise, it could follow Joker’s path from unexpected concept to cultural phenomenon. With Hugh Jackman in a radically different role and a bold new take on a legendary character, this might be one of the biggest surprises of 2026.
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The Death of Robin Hood FAQ
Is The Death of Robin Hood based on a true story?
No, it is a fictional reimagining of the classic Robin Hood legend.
Who plays Robin Hood in the new movie?
Hugh Jackman stars as an older, darker version of Robin Hood.
Why is The Death of Robin Hood being compared to Joker?
Both films focus on a darker, psychological take on iconic characters.
