Hugh Jackman's 'Death of Robin Hood' Puts Northern Ireland on the Global Cinema Map as A24 Film Draws Critical Acclaim
Hugh Jackman's 'The Death of Robin Hood', a dark revisionist thriller directed by Michael Sarnoski and distributed by A24, has drawn significant critical acclaim since its release and is generating renewed international attention for Northern Ireland's screen industry — with the film shot extensively across the region including Belfast Harbour Studios, Silent Valley, Glenarm, Murlough Bay, and the Mourne Mountains, and Jackman himself speaking warmly about his experience filming in Northern Ireland.
Background
Northern Ireland Screen, the public body responsible for developing the screen industry in Northern Ireland, has been one of the most successful regional film agencies in the United Kingdom over the past two decades. Its support for major productions including Game of Thrones — which was filmed extensively across Northern Ireland and generated an estimated £250 million in economic impact for the region — established Northern Ireland as a world-class filming destination and created a skilled local crew base that has attracted subsequent productions.
The Death of Robin Hood is the latest in a series of significant international productions to choose Northern Ireland as a filming location. The film, produced by Lyrical Media and Ryder Picture Company with financing and support from Northern Ireland Screen, began principal photography in February 2025 and wrapped in March 2025 after more than 30 days of filming across the region. The production made extensive use of Northern Ireland's diverse landscape, from the industrial facilities at Belfast Harbour Studios to the dramatic natural scenery of the Mourne Mountains and the Antrim coast.
The film is a dark, revisionist adaptation of the 17th-century ballad Robin Hood's Death, following an aged and remorseful version of the legendary outlaw who lives in self-imposed exile, tormented by the guilt of his violent past. After being gravely wounded, he finds refuge in a priory, where he encounters a prioress played by Jodie Comer and an orphaned girl. The film has been compared to Logan and The Shootist for its somber, character-driven examination of an aging hero.
Key Developments
The film held its world premiere at the 73rd Sydney Film Festival in June 2026 before receiving a wide release in the United States on 19 June 2026, distributed by A24 — one of the most prestigious independent film distributors in the world, known for its commitment to distinctive, auteur-driven cinema. The film has since been released in the United Kingdom and Ireland, where it has been performing strongly at the box office.
Critical reception has been mixed but largely positive, with reviewers praising Jackman's performance and the film's atmospheric approach to its source material. RTÉ's film critic described Jackman as "excellent" in the lead role, noting that the film benefits from the authenticity of its Northern Ireland locations, which provide a genuinely medieval atmosphere that would have been difficult to achieve on a studio backlot. The Mourne Mountains, in particular, have been singled out for the quality of the visual backdrop they provide.
Jackman himself has spoken warmly about his experience filming in Northern Ireland, noting that the region's landscape and the quality of the local crew made it one of the great shoots of his career. He has described still finding mud in unexpected places months after the production wrapped — a comment that has been widely shared on social media and has generated significant positive attention for Northern Ireland as a filming destination.
Why It Matters
The success of The Death of Robin Hood matters for Northern Ireland's screen industry for several reasons. The involvement of A24 — a distributor with a global reputation for quality and a strong following among cinephiles — gives the film a profile that extends well beyond the typical reach of a regional production. The critical attention the film has received will be noted by other international producers and distributors who are considering Northern Ireland as a filming location.
The film also demonstrates the range of productions that Northern Ireland can accommodate. While Game of Thrones established the region's credentials for large-scale fantasy productions, The Death of Robin Hood shows that Northern Ireland can also support more intimate, character-driven films that require a combination of studio facilities and natural locations. This versatility is important for the long-term development of the screen industry.
For context, the screen industry in Northern Ireland now supports approximately 6,000 jobs and contributes over £100 million per year to the regional economy. Northern Ireland Screen's investment in productions like The Death of Robin Hood generates a return of approximately £5 for every £1 invested, making it one of the most effective economic development tools available to the region.
Local Impact
The filming of The Death of Robin Hood had a direct economic impact on the communities where it was shot. Belfast Harbour Studios, which provided the main production base, is one of the largest studio facilities in the United Kingdom and has been a significant driver of economic activity in the harbour area of east Belfast. The location shoots in Silent Valley, Glenarm, Murlough Bay, and the Mourne Mountains brought production crews and spending to communities in County Down and County Antrim that benefit significantly from screen tourism.
Post-production work was conducted at Yellowmoon in Holywood, County Down, providing further employment for local technicians and creative professionals. The film's release has also generated interest in screen tourism, with visitors to Northern Ireland seeking out the locations used in the production — a trend that has been a significant economic benefit for the region since the success of Game of Thrones.
What's Next
The Death of Robin Hood is expected to be submitted for consideration at the major awards ceremonies in the coming months, and Jackman's performance in particular has been mentioned as a potential awards contender. Northern Ireland Screen has indicated that it has a strong pipeline of productions in development for 2027 and beyond, building on the momentum generated by the film's success. The agency is also working to develop the local talent base through training programmes and support for indigenous productions.
