A fresh take on the timeless legend of Robin Hood is on the horizon with “The Lie of Sherwood Forest,” set to launch at the upcoming American Film Market (AFM). The film is produced by the German company augenschein, with Logical Pictures International and Protagonist Pictures managing its sales.
Cast and Crew
Directed by Patrick Vollrath, known for his work on “7500” and “Subversion,” the film begins production on November 9. It boasts a talented cast including Thomasin McKenzie (“Victorian Psycho,” “The Testament of Ann Lee”), Finn Cole (“Peaky Blinders,” “Last Breath”), and Antony Starr (“The Boys,” “The Covenant”). The ensemble is further strengthened by Smylie Bradwell (“Faith,” “Hamnet”), Brian Vernel (“The Odyssey,” “Slow Horses”), and Richard Durden (“Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker”).
Screenplay and Storyline
The screenplay, penned by Harris Kauffman, is based on a story by Joachim Hedén and Patrick Vollrath. “The Lie of Sherwood Forest” reimagines the traditional folklore into a “grounded, hard-hitting fight for survival, loyalty, and justice, bringing a contemporary edge to one of storytelling’s most enduring figures,” according to the producers.
The plot centers around Robin Hood and his merry band of outlaws, who are led astray by a young woman into a daring mission to rescue her brother. This seemingly straightforward operation deteriorates into a high-stakes heist, challenging their loyalties as hidden motives come to light. As the characters grapple with the consequences of their decisions, the synopsis hints that “what begins as one desperate lie will inadvertently change the course of the legend forever.”
A Bold Reinvention of a Classic
Dave Bishop, CEO of Protagonist Pictures, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “‘The Lie of Sherwood Forest’ is a radical new take on one of the world’s most enduring legends, reinvented as a bold, visceral, and relentlessly propulsive film. Patrick Vollrath will deliver an electrifying cinematic vision to a story that turns mythology on its head, combining gripping set pieces with genuine moral complexity.”
Andrei Kamarowsky, head of international at Logical Pictures Group, further emphasized the uniqueness of the film, highlighting how “one young woman’s desperate deception sets Robin Hood and his outlaws on a dangerous journey that will ultimately reshape the myth.” He noted that the film retains the spirit of the original folklore while introducing emotional stakes and unrelenting tension.
Production and Financing
Produced by Maximilian Leo, Jonas Katzenstein, and Daniel Sonnabend of augenschein in collaboration with ZDF, the film has received funding support from various sources, including Film- und Medienstiftung NRW, the German Federal Film Fund (DFFF), and Creative Europe Media. “Our collaboration with Patrick on 7500 was a defining moment for augenschein, and we’ve been excited to find the right opportunity to work together again,” Katzenstein commented.
Leo added, “The film builds on the edge-of-your-seat tension and visceral, grounded action that defined 7500, taking those elements to an exciting new level within the world of Robin Hood.”
Financial backing will come from augenschein and Logical Pictures Group, with Logical Pictures International also co-repping sales alongside Protagonist Pictures. Executive producers include Protagonist’s Bishop, George Hamilton, and James Pugh, along with Kamarowsky and others from Logical Pictures Group.
Representation of the Cast
The cast’s representation includes Thomasin McKenzie with Untitled and CAA, Finn Cole with UTA, Independent Talent Group, Sloane, and Viewpoint PR, and Antony Starr with UTA, Auckland Actors, Impression Entertainment, and Kovert Creative.
