Universal has made an official press release regarding some new casting choices for their upcoming Russell Crowe Robin Hood project.
It was just two weeks ago when we found out that Scott Grimes, Kevin Durand and Allan Doyle would be playing some of Robin Hood’s Merry Men. In addition to those characters, the roles of Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, Sir Godfrey, French Princess Isabella and King John have now also been cast.
I’ve copied just the casting section press release for you to see:
Joining Crowe and Blanchett for the film are Oscar® winner Vanessa Redgrave (Julia, Atonement) as John and Richard’s mother, Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine; Mark Strong (Body of Lies, Stardust) as King John’s vicious henchman, Sir Godfrey; Oscar Isaac (Che, Body of Lies) as King John; and Léa Seydoux (13 French Street, upcoming Inglourious Basterds) as the woman who will become queen, French Princess Isabella. Playing key members of Robin’s band of men are Scott Grimes (television’s ER, American Dad) as Welshman Will Scarlet; Kevin Durand (upcoming X-Men Origins: Wolverine, 3:10 to Yuma) as Robin’s right-hand, Scotsman Little John; and newcomer Alan Doyle as their troubadour, Irishman Allan Adayle.
And here’s a new synopsis for the movie which is quite bit different than what Ridley Scott had originally promised for this film – an original take which focused on the Sheriff of Nottingham and portrayed him as the hero of the story.
The untitled Robin Hood adventure chronicles the life of an expert archer, previously interested only in self-preservation, from his service in King Richard’s army against the French. Upon Richard’s death, Robin travels to Nottingham, a town suffering from the corruption of a despotic sheriff and crippling taxation, where he falls for the spirited widow Lady Marian (Blanchett), a woman skeptical of the identity and motivations of this crusader from the forest. Hoping to earn the hand of Maid Marian and salvage the village, Robin assembles a gang whose lethal mercenary skills are matched only by its appetite for life. Together, they begin preying on the indulgent upper class to correct injustices under the sheriff.
As Screen Rant writer Niall Browne pointed out, this Robin Hood story is not as interesting compared to what they original had planned to offer audiences. It’s been done before and the original plan sounded so much better.
As for the casting decisions we’ve seen so far, they’ve given credit to actors who have been making waves in recent times with prominent roles in major mainstream movies. Two of these actors are personal favorites of mine, Canadian actor Kevin Durand and English-born Mark Strong, and I look forward to seeing them in this movie.
Mark Strong will play Sir Godfrey
Although there is some criticism being aimed at the producers of this film for not casting English-born actors for many of these roles, I personally am in favor of these choices. I understand the complaints to a certain extent, but I think they’ve cast great actors for these roles and they might just pull off some nice accents in the end (better than Kevin Costner I’m sure).
What do you think of the cast for the next Robin Hood movie?
Production has begun on the untitled Robin Hood Adventure and the movie is set to release May 14, 2010.
Source: In Contention
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13 Comments
this looks like its shaping up to be a good film
Blah, this will just further continue that ridiculous notion that people who can support themselves are evil and poor lazy people who don’t work should get money from the rich… Boooo
Great casting! And I’m a little surprise to find out that Russell is also acting as the co-producer along with Brian G. and Sir Rid. Hope this project would turn out to be one of the best movies out there. So excited!
It’s Maid MariAn with an A.
@cowboy
Thanks, the source had the misspellings and we didn’t think to check that. It’s fixed now.
Vic
Being a Russell Crowe fan, I’ve waited for this movie a long time. I think they’ve put together a great cast and I’m glad that production is finally underway!
My only problem with the casting is Blanchett.
While a fine actress, it is hard to imagine
anyone being inspired to earn her hand.
The romantic element may not work.
As this is a driving force for Robin,
if it does not work neither will the film.
I’m smelling Gladiator w/ sidekicks and a forest; and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
This is a great cast, no doubt. However, I really don’t know why they had to change the premise of the story. Now it’s just another Robin Hood movie. I hope this becomes a great film, but I have my doubts.
Yeah I agree Maid Marian should be someone else, after seeing her in those Elizabeth movies I don’t find her attractive/sexy/sensual/etc at all.
High time Mr Crowe got round to a proper leading role again There are plenty of second rate actors out there that can ably pick up these second banana roles he seems to have grown a fondness for lately. And Cate is just the Marian for him. A equally great talent, more than capable of providing the kind of challenge great actors thrive upon. Welcome back Mr. Crowe!
What an exciting film to look forward to! I happen to think Blanchett is a superb choice for Lady Marian. She’s the best actress working hands down and is hot as hell! She’ll really up Russell’s game, so this will be very interesting seeing the two of them onscreen together. I like Hurt but am disappointed Redgrave had to drop out. Oh well, I’ll be there come next June regardless! Just hope the script is done by then. lol.
Well, I think the cast is good. I love actors like Mark Strong, and Kevin Durand, they made movie worth a while…
but i have some doubts, i dont see Rusell Crowe, like a robin hood.. i think is wrong.. People its going to love Mark strong for his role, but there gonna hate Crowe.. im not saying he is a bad actor, im just saying this is not his movie,.. and kate blanceht, shes a awesome actrees but she not fragile…
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