‘Gladiator’ & ‘Gladiator II’ star Connie Nielsen is set to take one of the leading roles in the new MGM+ ‘Robin Hood‘ series as “Eleanor of Aquitaine” opposite Sean Bean‘s Sheriff of Nottingham and Jack Patten in the title role.
Robin Hood brings a modern energy to the classic tale of the roguish outlaw hero who stole from the rich and gave to the poor, and the epic love story between him and a courageous and daring Marian. It is a smart, sweeping, romantic adventure that brings historical authenticity, psychological depth, and a heightened focus on the relationship between Rob (Jack Patten) and Marian to the beloved story.
Following the Norman invasion of England, Rob – a Saxon forester’s son – and Marian, the daughter of a Norman lord – fall in love and work together to fight for justice and freedom. As Rob rises as the leader of a band of rebel outlaws, Marian infiltrates the power at court, as both work together to thwart royal corruption and bring peace to the land.
“Jonathan and I are beyond thrilled to bring our vision of Robin Hood to life—a grounded and gritty origin story of an iconic character,” said Executive Producers John Glenn and Jonathan English. “From the very beginning, MGM+ and Lionsgate have understood and championed our approach, and we couldn’t ask for better partners to help us reimagine this legend.”
Connie Nielsen will play “Eleanor of Aquitaine”. One of the most powerful women in history, Eleanor is a queen, a strategist, and a force of nature. A ruler who has outmanoeuvred kings and led crusades, she sees the world for what it is – a battlefield.
“Connie Nielsen is a dream choice to update the iconic role of Eleanor of Aquitaine.” said Michael Wright, head of MGM+. “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.”
Along with appearing as Lucilla in both ‘Gladiator’ movies, Connie Nielsen also starred as Queen Hippolyta in DC’s ‘Wonder Woman 1984’, along with popping up in TV shows such as ‘Law & Order: SVU’, ‘The Following’, and ‘Boss’.
“We’re excited to welcome the talented Connie Nielsen to an already impressive cast that will reimagine and elevate this timeless story,” said Jocelyn Sabo, SVP, scripted television development at Lionsgate. “With John and Jonathan at the helm, this bold and modern take will honour the magic of the original tale while introducing Robin Hood to a new generation of fans.”
Nielsen joins the previously announced cast which includes relative newcomer, Australian actor Jack Patten, who takes the title role in his first television series leading role, and Sean Bean, who plays the cunning and pragmatic Sheriff of Nottingham.
The ten-episode season comes from Lionsgate Television, with showrunner John Glenn (SEAL Team), producer-director Jonathan English (Librarians: The Next Chapter, The Ark) and executive producer Todd Lieberman of Hidden Pictures bringing a contemporary spirit to the classic romantic adventure. Glenn and English also serve as writers, while Carly Elter and Nicole Bryant will oversee the series for Hidden Pictures.
‘Robin Hood‘ will premiere later in 2025 on MGM+ in the USA, UK, Italy, Germany, Spain, Latin America, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. If you want to keep track of this or any other show, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date.
