Hugh Jackman says brutal 'The Death of Robin Hood' fight scene was the hardest thing he’s ever done

'The Death of Robin Hood' presents a darker, older version of the character and stars Jackman

Hugh Jackman has revealed that an intense fight sequence in The Death of Robin Hood proved to be the most physically and emotionally demanding challenge of his career, describing it as “the hardest thing I’ve ever done”.

Speaking exclusively to People, the 57-year-old actor said one particularly gruelling scene, filmed at night in freezing mud, pushed him beyond anything he had experienced in decades of performing action roles. The sequence saw him battling actor Elijah Ungvary and required a level of realism that made the experience both physically punishing and emotionally unsettling.

Jackman explained that the film’s approach to violence was unlike traditional action movies, with director Michael Sarnoski aiming for a raw and deeply human portrayal of the legendary outlaw. The actor said the brutal fight was designed to reflect Robin Hood’s emotional scars as much as his physical wounds, adding that the scene’s intimacy made it especially challenging.

The Death of Robin Hood presents a darker, older version of the iconic character and stars Jackman alongside Jodie Comer and Bill Skarsgård. Directed and written by Sarnoski, the film explores themes of power, regret and redemption rather than focusing solely on heroic exploits.

The actor has previously undertaken demanding roles, including Wolverine, but recently told media outlets that the physical strain of the new film surpassed anything he had done before. Reports from the production noted that the muddy conditions even resulted in Jackman tweaking his neck during filming.

The Death of Robin Hood premiered in the United States on June 19, 2026, offering audiences a sombre and grounded reinterpretation of the centuries-old legend