Hugh Jackman To Play Another Aging Hero At Death's Door

By Andrew Sanford | Film | May 22, 2024 |

By Andrew Sanford | Film | May 22, 2024 |

Hugh Jackman owes his career to Wolverine. The actor will forever be connected to the clawed mutant, for better and worse. Some roles like that could pigeonhole an actor. Jackman has been fortunate enough to parlay his turn as the mutant into numerous starring vehicles. Then, he hung up his claws for good (well, that was the intention).

The 2017 James Mangold-directed Logan was one of the best films from FOX’s X-Men universe. It was grim and gritty but also thoughtful and emotionally gripping. Jackman played a version of Wolverine who had lost everyone close to him. He then found himself on a journey to protect the future that would see his own cut short. Now, he’s taking a similar path with a different hero.

The story of Robin Hood has existed in one form or another for hundreds of years. The mythic figure has been immensely popular, seeing adaptations on the stage, on the page, and on screens big and small. He’s been a fox, an anti-hero, Kevin Costner, and now, he’ll be portrayed as an older criminal on death’s door.

Hugh Jackman is set to play the famed bandit in The Death Of Robin Hood, a film directed by Pig and A Quiet Place: Day One director Michael Sarnoski. Jackman will be joined by Jodie Comer in the film, the American rights to which were just purchased by A24 at Cannes.

Deadline reported this description of the film’s plot: “The film follows an aging Robin Hood grappling with his past after a life of crime and murder who finds himself gravely injured after a battle he thought would be his last. In the hands of a mysterious woman, he is offered a chance at salvation.”

Production on the film is set to take place in early 2025, so don’t expect it anytime soon. Still, it’s interesting to see A24 throw in on such a big-name project. That said, they haven’t shied away from making such moves recently. The company intends to give the film a theatrical release. That means we can see Jackman sling arrows on a big screen.

The most intriguing aspect is how similar the film sounds to Logan. It isn’t set in the future. There aren’t any mutants. But it will be Jackman playing an older hero at the end of his rope, joined by a mysterious female character. By the time they get the film in front of cameras, they may not have to age up Jackman like they did the last time. But he does have adamantium money, so perhaps a few wrinkles will be needed.

One question remains: what older hero will Jackman play next? A Tarzan who lay on his deathbed while being cared for by an orangutan? The Shadow, investigating one last crime, no longer able to laugh the way he used to? Imagine ole Hugh as a bent, gray, old Spider-Man, trying his hardest to stick to walls one last time. It’s all on the table at this point.