The newRobin Hoodseries casts aGladiatoralum to portray “one of the most legendary and powerful women in folklore.” Greenlit in September 2024, MGM+’s reimagining of the classic tale follows Rob, a Saxon forester’s son, and Marian, a Norman lord’s daughter, who work together to fight for justice and freedom following the Norman invasion of England during the Middle Ages. Theseries already stars Sean Bean, Jack Patten, Lauren McQueen, Lydia Peckham, Henry Rowley, Steven Waddington, Marcus Fraser, and Angus Castle-Doughty.
Now, perVariety,MGM+‘sRobin Hoodseries has cast Connie Nielsen as Eleanor of Aquitaine, described as “One of the most powerful women in history, Eleanor is a queen, a strategist, and a force of nature. A ruler who has outmaneuvered kings and led crusades, she sees the world for what it is — a battlefield.” MGM+ head Michael Wright and Jocelyn Sabo, executive vice president of scripted television development at Lionsgate, shared the following statements on Nielsen’s casting:
Wright: Connie Nielsen is a dream choice to update the iconic role of Eleanor of Aquitaine. Connie brings a remarkable gravitas, elegance, and artistry to this multilayered role of the iconic queen and brilliant strategist, introducing a new generation to the Robin Hood fable and to one of the most legendary and powerful women in folklore.
Sabo: We’re excited to welcome the talented Connie Nielsen to an already impressive cast that will reimagine and elevate this timeless story. With John and Jonathan at the helm, this bold and modern take will honor the magic of the original tale while introducing Robin Hood to a new generation of fans.
What Connie Nielsen’s Casting Means For The Robin Hood Series
She’s The Second Notable Star Cast
Connie Nielsen is the second notable star cast in MGM+‘sRobin Hoodseries.Game of Thronesalum Sean Beanwas previously cast as the Sheriff of Nottingham. That character is described as “a statesman, a strategist, and a builder of Nottingham itself. A loving father, a politician, and cousin to King Henry II, he navigates the dangerous tides of power, facing not only an outlaw in the woods but also the ambitions of Eleanor of Aquitaine and the Norman Barons that surround him. Cunning and pragmatic, he is a man who rules with an iron hand, not out of cruelty, but an unshakable belief that the law, as Normans see it, must be preserved.”
10 Best Robin Hood Movies, Ranked
Robin Hood has seen many iterations over the course of cinema. Some films are faithful adaptations, while others don’t capture the spirit of Robin.
Nielsen is known for her role as Lucilla inGladiatorandGladiator II, but also as Queen Hippolyta in the DCEU moviesWonder Woman,Justice League, andWonder Woman 1984.The actress has a history of portraying formidable female figures, which makes her an ideal choice for Eleanor of Aquitaine, who is described as “one of the most powerful women in history.” While Lucilla is more of a political strategist and Queen Hippolyta a warrior, Eleanor will be more of a mix of the two.
Our Take On Connie Nielsen’s Casting In The Robin Hood Series
She’s An Inspired Casting Choice, But Will Anyone See It?
Source:Variety
Robin Hood (2025)
This interpretation of the classic Robin Hood story revives the outlaw hero’s fight for the poor, centered around his deep relationship with Marian. Their love blossoms as they fight injustice, with Robin leading rebels and Marian using her influence at court to battle royal corruption.
