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The legend of Robin Hood is set to be given a new retelling in “The Lie of Sherwood Forest,” launching at the upcoming AFM with Logical Pictures International and Protagonist
Pictures handling sales.
The film — coming from German production company augenschein and beginning production on Nov. 9 — is being directed by Patrick Vollrath (“7500,” “Subversion”) and will star Thomasin McKenzie (“Victorian Psycho,” “The Testament of Ann Lee”), Finn Cole (“Peaky Blinders,” “Last Breath”) and Antony Starr (“The Boys,” “The Covenant”).
Smylie Bradwell (“Faith,” “Hamnet”), Brian Vernel (“The Odyssey,” “Slow Horses”) and Richard Durden (“Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker”) are also among the cast.
Harris Kauffman wrote the screenplay, based on a story by Joachim Hedén and Patrick Vollrath.
According to the description, “The Lie of Sherwood Forest” transforms the “familiar folklore into a “grounded, hard-hitting fight for survival, loyalty and justice, bringing a contemporary edge to one of storytelling’s most enduring figures.”
The story sees Robin Hood and his companions deceived by a young woman into undertaking a daring mission to rescue her captured brother, an operation that spirals into a perilous heist. As loyalties fracture and hidden motives emerge, the outlaws must confront the true cost of their choices — and the price of challenging those in power. As per the synopsis: “But what begins as one desperate lie will inadvertently change the course of the legend forever.”
“‘The Lie of Sherwood Forest’ is a radical new take of one of the world’s most enduring legends, reinvented as a bold, visceral and relentlessly propulsive film,” said Dave Bishop, CEO of Protagonist Pictures. “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.”
Added Andrei Kamarowsky, head of international at Logical Pictures Group: “What immediately drew us to ‘The Lie of Sherwood Forest’ was the ingenuity and novelty of its premise: one young woman’s desperate deception sets Robin Hood and his outlaws on a dangerous journey that will ultimately reshape the myth. It remains true to the spirit of the original folklore while bringing a fresh perspective, real emotional stakes, and unrelenting tension.”
The film is produced by augenschein’s Maximilian Leo, Jonas Katzenstein and Daniel Sonnabend, in co-production with ZDF and with funding support by Film- und Medienstiftung NRW, German Federal Film Fund (DFFF), German Federal Film Board (FFA), German Films, European Investment Fund 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.” said Katzenstein. “Having developed the idea with Patrick, we’re thrilled to partner once more on this action thriller.”
Added company partner Leo: “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.”
Augenschein and Logical Pictures Group will finance, and the group’s sales subsidiary Logical Pictures International LPI will co-rep sales alongside Protagonist Pictures. Protagonist’s Bishop, George Hamilton and James Pugh serve as executive producers, while Frédéric Fiore, Ryan Wickers, and Kamarowsky will be executive producers for Logical Pictures Group.
Thomasin McKenzie is represented by Untitled and CAA.Finn Cole is represented by UTA , Independent Talent Group, Sloane and Viewpoint PR. Antony Starr is represented by UTA, Auckland Actors, Impression Entertainment and Kovert Creative.
