Hugh Jackman has opened up about his growing fascination with morally complex characters, revealing that he has become increasingly drawn to antiheroes as he gets older because they reflect the "grey areas of humanity." Speaking to People ahead of the release of The Death of Robin Hood, the 57-year-old actor said there are clear parallels between his latest role and his acclaimed portrayal of Wolverine in 2017's Logan.
Jackman's Shift Toward Antiheroes
"I think, as I've gotten older, I'm more drawn to antiheroes," Jackman said. "The grey areas of humanity are more interesting to me." He added that he has long admired characters such as Han Solo from Star Wars and Clint Eastwood's ageing gunslinger in Unforgiven, describing them as figures whose flaws make them more compelling.
The Death of Robin Hood: A Darker Reimagining
Jackman stars as an ageing, wounded Robin Hood in director Michael Sarnoski's The Death of Robin Hood, a darker reimagining of the legendary outlaw that explores themes of guilt, redemption and mortality. The actor said there are "definite parallels" between the character and Wolverine in Logan, with both stories focusing on heroes confronting the consequences of a lifetime of violence.
In the film, Robin Hood is critically injured and taken to a monastery, where he is cared for by Sister Brigid, played by Jodie Comer. Rather than centring on action, the story examines the outlaw's emotional reckoning as he reflects on his past and searches for redemption in the final chapter of his life.
Therapeutic Filming Experience
Jackman, who also served as a producer on the project, said filming scenes centred on death and acceptance proved unexpectedly therapeutic. He described exploring the character's mortality as "calming" and "really healing", adding that the experience encouraged him to reflect on life in a more meditative way.
A Career Departure
The film marks another dramatic departure for Jackman, who has spent much of his career playing traditional heroes. However, the actor said he now finds himself gravitating towards characters who are shaped by their mistakes rather than defined by their heroism. The Death of Robin Hood, co-starring Jodie Comer, Bill Skarsgård, Noah Jupe and Murray Bartlett, is now playing in cinemas.
