Director Otto Bathurst says Robin Hood story is “more relevant” than ever

The director of the new Robin Hood remake has been speaking about its relevance for modern audiences…

Yes, there’s another reboot/remake/reimagining on the way from the Hollywood machine and this time it’s the turn of the famous story of Robin Hood which will be getting a 21st-century make-over. Acclaimed director Otto Bathurst (Peaky Blinders) has taken the job of revamping lore for modern cinemagoers with Leonardo DiCaprio onboard as one of the film’s producers.

Speaking at a press conference to mark the start of production in Dubrovnik, Bathurst says he was hesitant at first but was persuaded to take the job given the social relevance of the story in modern times. Speaking to Dubrovnik Daily, the director said:

“To be honest, when this film was first offered to me, I turn it down immediately… The world doesn’t need another Robin Hood film, we had enough. But when I started to look into it and investigate this man and legend, the story seemed more relevant today than it has ever been. For me, making a film is about reflecting what’s going on at the moment, to bring back something to humanity, to society. So there is a purpose to the film rather than being pure entertainment. We want to be entertained as well. Every day the film seems to be more and more important. This will be a great piece of entertainment, but there is also a real subtext to the movie about government, corruption and the power of individual to bring change to society. It’s about 99% being ruled by 1% and if any of us, any normal man has the strength and the courage to stand up and fight for the truth, then the real change can happen. That is the strong message of Robin Hood and it’s going to be an even stronger message of my Robin Hood.”

Kingsman: The Secret Service star Taron Egerton stars in the lead role alongside an eclectic roster of talent including Academy Award Winner Jamie Foxx (Django Unchained) as Little John, Jamie Dornan (Fifty Shades Darker) as Will Scarlet, Eve Hewson (The Knick) as Maid Marion, Tim Minchin (Californication) as Friar Tuck and Ben Mendelsohn (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) as the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Robin Hood is set for release on March 23rd, 2018.