With Taron Egerton being the latest to take up the iconic bow and tights, we thought we would look at which portrayal of Nottingham’s favourite hero is the merriest man of them all…

Kevin Costner – Prince of Theives (1991)

I’ll say this for Kevin Costner’s Robin Hood, he is certainly the fastest of them all. The fact he was able to travel between Dover and Hadrian’s wall in a single day is a feat of speed to make Usain Bolt weep.

However, the accomplished, Emmy award-winning American actor gives an unenthused, uninspired take on the character; for which he didn’t even attempt an English accent. Despite Alan Rickman giving the definitive portrayal of the Sherriff of Nottingham, the same can’t be said for his thieving counterpart.

Sean Connery – Robin and Marian (1976)

Between James Bond and Robin Hood, Sean Connery has made somewhat of a career of taking up the mantle of iconic Englishmen. Set decades after the original tale, we see Robin Hood in his latter years, settled down with Lady Marian (Audrey Hepburn.)

Although his chemistry with Hepburn projects a convincing relationship that explores a more tender complex side to the legendary character, the rather uneventful plot gives Connery’s Robin of Locksley little to work with.

Russell Crowe – Robin Hood (2010)

Whilst this incarnation of the famous archer certainly misses the bullseye when it comes to nailing the accent; the Australian actor gives a more macho interpretation than the traditional folklore.

Upon initial viewing, you may be tempted to snigger as Crowe switches from an Irish to English accent within the same scene. However, he can command such powerful screen presence, that you will quickly overlook this aesthetic embarrassment.

This portrayal is more bogged down in gritty history than your typical fantasy elements, with his version being the manliest Robin in the Hood.

Cary Elwes – Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)

This one is entirely personal. Although by no means Director Mel Brookes best parody, this adaption truly gives us the silliest side of the tale.

With Mel Brookes’ signature style of intelligently written childish humour; Elwes’ version is crude, immature and loveable all the same.

Brian Bedford – Robin Hood (1973)

The Disney reimaging Robin Hood as an anthropomorphic fox is certainly the most fantasy driven, family friendly incarnation you will find.

Brian Bedford gives a mature, cheeky voice to an interpretation that is packed with that signature house of Mouse charm; which certainly makes this the most endearing version you will find.

Errol Flynn – The Adventures of Robin Hood – (1938)

The finest marksman around and the merriest man of them all, in a near 80 years of trying no one is yet to fill the tights of Errol Flynn.

Engulfed by the signature medieval pageantry associated with the legend, Flynn embodies the imaginative family fantasy adventure we associate with the legendary thief.

Nottingham’s best-loved bandit has never been done better.



By Adam Ridgley

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