An iconic British actor has bagged a role in a new Robin Hood TV series, just weeks after his hit period drama was brutally axed.
The new series promises to be a fresh take on the classic tale of the hero who robs from the rich and gives to the poor, all whilst battling the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham.
Bafta-winning Sean Bean, hailed for his roles in Sharpe, Lord of the Rings and Game Of Thrones, will star as the Sheriff, alongside Australian newcomer Jack Patten, who will play Robin.
The new series for MGM+ is being hailed as a historic retelling, and is expected to stretch over 10 episodes.
Whilst the story of Robin Hood has been the subject of previous dramas, the MGM+ is set to focus on the love story between Robin and Marian, and how they fight for justice together.
The series will focus on how the couple work together, as Robin leads his band of outlaws and Marian works via the royal court to achieve peace.
The upcoming drama will also see Bean’s version of the Sheriff of Nottingham in a different light, and instead of a cruel villain he’s a political master balancing his family ties with threats to the crown.
The new drama is the latest in a string of adaptations of the folk tale, including Kevin Costner‘s heralded 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves, and a BBC series starring Jonas Armstrong, which ran from 2006 until 2009.
The new role for Bean comes after fans were left disappointed when one of his recent shows was cancelled after just one series.
Shardlake on Disney+ was set during the reign of Henry VIII in the 16th century and received rave reviews from fans.
Based on the historical novels by C.J. Sansom and with seven books in the series, fans were hoping the drama would include multiple seasons.
But unfortunately the streaming platform has cancelled any future series.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Shardlake is a four-part drama set in 16th century England during the dissolution of the monasteries ” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6351246783112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]Bean’s co-star Anthony Boyle confirmed there are no plans for any more episodes.
Writing on Instagram, he told fans: “Sadly Shardlake won’t be coming back from another season. Thanks for all the love and support on it. First season still on Disney Plus UK.”
In a statement to Variety, a Disney spokesperson also confirmed the news and said: “We’d like to thank Stephen Butchard who adapted the late C.J. Sansom’s beloved novel for the screen, the entire cast – led by the outstanding Arthur Hughes – and crew, and our production partners The Forge and Runaway Fridge.
“We hope to work with all of our partners across these shows again in the future.”
The series had an 81% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with one review stating: “Gripping atmospheric historical drama, great cast.”
Taking to social media, fans of the series have expressed how ‘gutted’ they are that Shardlake has been axed after just one series.
One fan wrote on X: “Really gutted to hear the news #shardlake won’t be returning for a 2nd second. What a missed opportunity. Great cast and fantastic books. Disappointed.”
Another posted: “Right, cancelling Shardlake is a legit crime.”
