On October 17, the film distribution company Russian World Vision plans a wide release in the Russian Federation for the family adventure fantasy Robin Hood and the Guardians of the Forest, a modern take on the legend of the noble robber from the English ballad Robin Hood. The distributor described the project as a fresh look at a timeless story aimed at families across Russia and beyond, and the film’s themes of courage, community, and stewardship have broad appeal for audiences in Canada and the United States as well. [Source: distributor materials]
The reimagining of the Robin Hood story features world cinema stars: Gwendoline Christie from Game of Thrones, Mark Williams from the Harry Potter films, and Naomie Harris, an Oscar-nominated actor known for Pirates of the Caribbean. The ensemble signals an international collaboration designed to attract North American families and cinema-goers around the globe. [Source: cast announcements]
The British family film follows 11-year-old Robin (Darcy Ewart) and her friends The Hoods as they play in the secret corner of the Magic Kingdom. They transform sticks and trash can lids into swords and shields, drones into majestic eagles, and the forest guardian portrayed by Gwendoline Christie into a figure both revered and feared by locals. [Source: production notes]
Robin faces the threat of losing her beloved forest due to the construction of a new resort, and she and her friends rush to its defense while also maturing and welcoming a new child into the house. [Source: plot synopsis]
As director Philip Hawkins puts it, filming Robin Hood and the Guardians of the Forest felt like shooting two movies at once: the action shifts swiftly between the real world and the children’s fantasy. [Source: interview with director]
The online chatter around the film’s release reflects broad interest from families in North America and beyond, with audiences looking forward to a story that combines high-energy adventure with messages about nature and justice. [Source: industry coverage]
On September 8 a trade bulletin circulated, outlining the most popular films among Russian audiences in August and underscoring ongoing concerns about piracy and legitimate distribution to ensure that global viewers can access the film. [Source: Trade Bulletin]