Hugh Jackman’s R-rated action thriller tops streaming charts.

After spending 24 years embodying Hollywood’s live-action Wolverine, Hugh Jackman has solidified his status as a box-office powerhouse. His latest portrayal of the fiery mutant James “Logan” Howlett in 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine has raked in over $1.3 billion globally. While Jackman is synonymous with his long-standing role in the X-Men franchise, he has also enjoyed success in other genres, with standout performances in films like The Prestige, The Greatest Showman, and this year’s The Sheep Detectives.

However, Jackman has also faced his share of flops, including this summer’s R-rated action-thriller that allowed him to explore his Old Man Logan persona: The Death of Robin Hood. Although the A24 release was a box office failure, it has quickly gained traction on streaming platforms.

The Death of Robin Hood is now available for streaming on HBO Max as of October 16. Within days of its release, this gritty reimagining of the classic tale has surged to the top of the U.S. movie streaming charts.

Written and directed by Michael Sarnoski, known for Pig and A Quiet Place: Day One, The Death of Robin Hood takes a bold new approach to the legendary English hero. Sarnoski’s version diverges from the traditional, lighthearted outlaw depicted in films like 1991’s Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and 2010’s Robin Hood, featuring Kevin Costner and Russell Crowe. Jackman’s portrayal presents a darker, more violent, and often cynical interpretation of the character, with the film’s poster boldly declaring that Robin Hood is “no hero.”

The official synopsis for The Death of Robin Hood reveals a troubled past:

Grappling with his past after a life of crime and murder, Robin Hood 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.

The film boasts a supporting cast that includes Jodie Comer, Bill Skarsgård, Noah Jupe, and Murray Bartlett.

Despite the potential for success, bolstered by Jackman and A24’s involvement, the 123-minute action-thriller fell short at the box office, earning just under $9.9 million against a reported $20 million budget during its theatrical run.

Critics and audiences have had mixed reactions, with the film holding a 69% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a significantly lower audience rating. Nevertheless, viewers are tuning in for The Death of Robin Hood on HBO Max.

Looking ahead, writer-director Michael Sarnoski is set to direct the live-action adaptation of Kojima Productions’ Death Stranding, which is anticipated to begin filming in 2027 in Iceland and Northern Ireland.