Why Robin Hood Just Flopped So Hard

1. Failure To Understand The Character

If there's one aspect of the critical response that should worry Lionsgate most in terms of audiences finding Robin Hood, it's the suggestion that they fundamentally didn't understand the character or why he has enjoyed any kind of longevity.

In their attempt to reimagine and reboot the character, they've turned one of the great heroes in history into an arrogant, smirking prick who steals someone's wife very publicly (thereby making himself an enemy in the process), who shouts awful catch-phrases and zingers and who generally lacks any humility at all. There were some attempts to make him seem a little softer around the edges (like the vague hint of him having PTSD that lasts all of about 7 seconds), but in the end, they've effectively turned their own hero into a dick.

Hearing that sort of thing from the reviews and from other audience members is a recipe for disaster. It's almost as if the writers and Bathurst have looked at Egerton's Eggsy from Kingsman for a blue print to make him a hero and have completely misread both him and Robin Hood in the process. Or maybe that's over-thinking and giving them too much credit?

What did you think of Robin Hood? Share your reactions below in the comments thread.