The upcoming A24 adventure drama, The Death of Robin Hood, arrives in theaters on June 19 with an R rating for strong bloody violence. Directed and written by Michael Sarnoski, the two‑hour‑three‑minute film stars Hugh Jackman, Jodie Comer, Bill Skarsgård, Murray Bartlett and Noah Jupe. Early reviews on Rotten Tomatoes show a barely fresh score, reflecting a sharp divide over the film’s tone and Jackman’s performance.

Rotten Tomatoes places the film just above the 60% fresh threshold

Based on 22 critic reviews,the movie currently sits at a marginally fresh rating, barely clearing the 60 percent mark that distinguishes “fresh” from “rotten .” As the source notes, no audience score is available yet because the film has not opened. This narrow margin underscores how even a handful of dissenting opinions can tip the balance for a film that is otherwise generating buzz.

Hugh Jackman’s “never‑before” immersive turn draws praise and skepticism

Critics such as David Ehrlich awarded the film a B grade, highlighting Jackman’s “inextinguishable charm of a great showman” and suggesting the role may be the most demanding of his career. Bob Strauss went further, granting a peerfect 4/4 and calling the story a “redemption narrative, simple in persuasive ways yet richly complicated.” By contrast, another reviewer decribed the movie as a “tedious slog,” arguing that Sarnoski’s ambition to fulfill the premise overwhelms the narrative.

Michael Sarnoski’s reimagining of Robin Hood’s redemption arc

The plot follows a battle‑scarred Robin Hood wrestling with his violent past, when a mysterious woman offers him a chance at salvation. This darker, injury‑laden take on the folklore hero diverges sharply from traditional, swashbuckling portrayals, positioning the film within a growing trend of gritty, character‑driven reinterpretations of classic myths.

What the split in critical opinion reveals about audience expectations

The mixed reception hints at a tension between viewers seeking bold, visceral storytelling and those preferring the lighter, escapist tone historically associated with Robin Hood. as the source points out, the film’s R‑rated violence and complex narrative may limit its appeal to mainstream audiences, while attracting a niche that appreciates auteur‑driven drama.

Who will decide the film’s fate? The missing audience voice

With no audience scores posted, it remains unclear how general moviegoers will respond once the film opens. The critical split raises the question: will the broader public echo the critics’ concerns, or will Jackman’s star power and the novelty of the premise drive box‑office success?