2. Robin Hood
Background: The oldest-dating back to at least the 13th century- and most renowned of all the heroes listed, no one can quite pinpoint the origin of Robin Hood. One could easily put a bunch of historians in a pit to discuss his beginnings until one remains standing, but we all know that hes a dab hand with a bow and arrow, he steals from the rich and gives to the poor along with his merry men, against The Sheriff of Nottingham, and all the while he is wooing Maid Marian, famously portrayed by Cate Blanchett and, er, Kate Moss.
Famous Portrayals: Errol Flynn, Sean Connery, Kevin Costner and a talking Fox
Last Major Appearance: Ridley Scotts excellent Robin Hood (2010), starring Russell Crowe
Why We Need Him Back: Perhaps even more integral to western culture than any other hero apart from Jesus, and even he has his critics, Robin Hood seems to be the original good guy. Who wouldnt want to contribute to keeping him relevant 800 years on? And you have a goldmine of characters- Friar Tuck, Alan ADale, Will Scarlett, Little John. You can do anything from historical drama to swashbuckling romp. You can be as serious as you like or as light-hearted, and because the legend is so much looser than any other cultural icon, he is totally open to interpretation, with a library of inspiration as big as Sherwood forest itself to draw from.
The Future: Crowe and Scott are planning a sequel, but considering both their slates and the lukewarm reception it received, it will likely be late or never. There were rumblings that both had been location scouting in England earlier last year, but those rumours turned out to be unfounded.