Game of Thrones' Sean Bean leaves behind the nobility of Ned Stark, as he takes on the role ofRobin Hood’s greatest foe in the upcoming TV adaptation of the legendary outlaw’s tale. The upcoming MGM+ series will see Jack Patten portray Rob,the series' new Robin Hood reimagining, alongside Lauren McQueen, Connie Nielsen, and Bean.
Colliderhas revealed a new glimpse at MGM+‘sRobin Hood, offering a new look at the figure whom the Merry Men will stand up to. The image features Bean as the Sheriff of Nottingham alongside Nielsen’s Eleanor of Aquitaine, the Queen of England, while at a noble gathering. Check out the image below:
What MGM+’s Latest Robin Hood Preview Means For The Series
Alongside offering a new look at Bean and Nielsen in theirRobin Hoodroles, the new image from the series holds several implications as to how the series will handle familiar Robin Hood lore. While a real-life figure, Eleanor of Aquitaine is also named in many retellings of Robin Hood’s legend.
Per their real-world relationships, Eleanor is the mother of King Richard and Prince John. While Richard is away fighting the Crusades, and Robin is opposing John’s tyranny, she is often stated to be serving as the regent of the English throne. As such, she had little impact on the story of Robin Hood.
Despite this, certain adaptations, including the BBC’sRobin Hoodtelevision series andRidley Scott’s 2010Robin Hoodmovie, have seen her play a noticeable role in the outlaw’s tale. In the television series’ second season, Robin (Jonas Armstrong) aids Eleanor’s (Lynda Bellingham) escape from captivity under John’s (Toby Stephens) regime.
However, with MGM+‘sRobin Hoodbeing described as featuring high-stakes power struggles, it is possible Eleanor may have a more active role when compared topreviousRobin Hoodadaptations. Much like how the BBC series saw Eleanor turn on the crown, the upcoming series may have her opposing John once more, who is set to be played by Graeme Thomas King.
In order to find her best route to power, Nielsen’s Eleanor may attempt to manipulate the Sheriff of Nottingham into shining a light on John’s activities in hopes of proving his crimes. As such, she may become a key ally to Rob throughout the upcoming series, using her connections to aid his revolution.
Our Take On Bean and Nielsen’s Robin Hood Preview
While Nielsen’s presence may carry the more interesting hints towards the plot ofRobin Hood, it is still, nevertheless, exciting to see Bean take on the role of the Sheriff of Nottingham. While Bean is best known for villains with unfortunate ends, his last major fantasy television role of Ned Stark was a welcome shake-up, asNed is a rare honorable figure in Westeros.
As such, many may be eager to see Bean dive back into villainy inRobin Hood. Per the image and past teases, the MGM+ series will have a more political side that explores the covert battles for the throne, meaning Bean may have the opportunity to show a darker side that many may have missed, as well as any potential comeuppance he may face.
