There’s an unspoken rule in Hollywood that actors portraying iconic characters often emphasize how these figures have been central to their lives. However, for Australian actor Jack Patten, who is set to play the legendary Robin Hood, this is not the case. “When I thought of Robin Hood, I thought about the fox – even though I never watched that cartoon version,” Patten shares, sitting in a Sydney café near Kings Cross Fountain. “I didn’t grow up watching Robin Hood, but I did know of him.”
Patten’s candid admission comes as he prepares to introduce himself to the world through a glossy 10-part TV series. This project marks the 28-year-old actor’s debut, pitting him against action hero Sean Bean, just two years after graduating from the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA). The series, produced for MGM+ and airing on Stan in Australia, is a post-Game of Thrones historical drama that doesn’t shy away from gritty scenes or bloodshed.
This new adaptation is Hollywood’s first take on the Robin Hood legend since the 2018 box-office disappointment starring Taron Egerton. It precedes A24’s upcoming film The Death of Robin Hood, featuring Hugh Jackman. “I think that theme of justice is forever going to be something that audiences are attracted to,” Patten notes, highlighting the timeless appeal of the Robin Hood story.
A Fresh Take on a Timeless Legend
Tracing the origins of the enduring English folk hero, Patten portrays a more grounded Robin Hood, a soon-to-be teenage orphan navigating the dark and gritty Middle Ages. In his grief, he rises against Norman conquerors who have seized his pagan community’s land and outlawed their religion. “It felt really human, despite it being quite genre, being set in the 1100s, with romance and swords and all that stuff,” Patten explains. “That’s what really perks my ears.”
With a band of outlaws and the aid of a Norman love-interest, Marian, played by Lauren McQueen, Robin Hood takes on the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham, portrayed by the steely Sean Bean. The cast also includes familiar faces like Connie Nielsen and Steven Waddington, alongside newcomers, which kept the eight-month shoot in Serbia dynamic, even in freezing temperatures.
From AFL Dreams to Acting Ambitions
For Patten, landing the role of Robin Hood was a dream come true, akin to a “pretty awesome Christmas present,” as he secured the part last December. “I was speechless,” he recalls. “And then I went over to Serbia in mid-January to get the bow and arrow under my belt and learn how to ride a horse. There were a few boxes to tick.”
This intensive training was reminiscent of his time in the Sydney Swans Academy, where he once aspired to be a professional AFL player. Raised by a single mother in Western Sydney’s Hills District, Patten was passionate about footy, although his dreams were cut short by a knee injury in 2017. “I loved footy. Loved watching it. Loved playing it,” he reflects. “Ultimately though, I wasn’t good enough.”
After his sports career ended, Patten found himself adrift, working at a school until a colleague suggested acting classes. His first class at The Hub Studio, led by veteran teacher Kevin Jackson, focused on the art of conversation, sparking Patten’s interest in acting. “It was immediate. I was like, ‘Oh, this is the best’,” he says.
From Classroom to Center Stage
Patten’s persistence and dedication to acting mirrored his AFL training, with rehearsals and character studies becoming his new drills. “I don’t know if it’s my deep sports roots, but I love working in a team,” he admits. His hard work paid off when he was accepted into NIDA, a competitive institution known for alumni like Cate Blanchett.
Since graduating, Patten has been steadily building his career. His first role was a guest spot on NCIS: Sydney, where he learned from seasoned actors. “It’s a well-oiled machine,” he notes. “And the four lead actors are so lovely, professional, and respectful.”
Patten’s talent and attentiveness caught the attention of producer Todd Lieberman, leading to his casting as Robin Hood. Looking ahead, Patten is already preparing for potential future seasons. “If we get greenlit for a second season, I’ll be practicing my horse riding and archery at home,” he says.
