In the bustling world of television, where creativity knows no bounds, Canadian network Global TV has taken a bold step by bringing to life a contemporary reimagining of the classic tale, Robin Hood. Robyn Hood, which airs Wednesdays, is a groundbreaking near-fi action drama that mirrors the modern struggles of a fearless young woman against the backdrop of a society marred by inequality and corruption.
Robyn Hood is directed by prolific Canadian music director and acclaimed TV director and filmmaker, Director X, and written by award-winning screenwriter Chris Roberts. It set out to captivate audiences with its unique blend of hip-hop, activism, and the age-old struggle against racism and injustice.
In this modern adaptation, Robyn Loxley, portrayed by the talented Jessye Romeo, isn’t your typical superhero. She is a Gen Zer who is fuelled by modern society’s injustices. Instead of superhuman abilities, Robyn relies on her determination, wit, and a hip-hop-infused sense of justice. Her mask-wearing hip-hop group, The Hood—known for their inventive videos and anti-authoritarian message—adds a creative layer to her character. Robyn finds herself fighting a corrupt elite led by a wealthy real estate tycoon, John Prince, and the formidable Sheriff of New Nottingham in the city of New Nottingham, where the wealth gap is growing. The series aims to reflect the stark realities of a society where the cost of living has skyrocketed, leaving many struggling to survive.
Director X, known for his innovative work in the music and film industries, brings a fresh perspective to the timeless Robin Hood legend.
In his words, “this is the perfect time to modernize Robin Hood. We are currently living in the gilded age of 2.0, where billionaires have way too much and the poor have far too little.”
His vision for Robyn Hood is in sync with today’s societal landscape, making it a relevant and engaging story for viewers.
The series boasts an impressive cast, including Nykeem Provo as Little John, Idrissa Sanogo as Alan A. Dale, Daniela Kharlamova as Much, Jonathan Langdon as Tuck, Sydney Kuhne as Marian Fitzwalter, Ian Matthews as John Prince, Kira Guloien as The Sheriff, and Manuel Rodriguez as Guy Gisbourne. Each character brings a unique flavour to the storyline, contributing to the overall richness of the series.
But Robyn Hood is more than just a television series; it’s a cultural statement. With its hip-hop influences, modern storytelling, and a cast that reflects diversity and talent, the show is on track to resonate with audiences across the globe. However, controversy has seized the headlines and dominated race discussions within the sci-fi community.
Director X has denounced the “racists” responsible for orchestrating what he believes is a rating-bombing campaign against Robyn Hood, emphasizing the hostility unleashed from the announcement of a Black woman, Romeo, playing the lead role. This backlash has manifested in YouTube videos, tweets, and IMDb rating-bombing since the show’s release.
“My comments are filled with messages that tell me the show isn’t being review bombed,” X wrote on Instagram.
“It’s at 1.1 ⭐️ rating with a total of 1.7k votes and 1.4k of them are 1⭐️. That’s not a review bomb? Of course it is and these trolls will come in these comments and say it’s not. You all must think my people are fucking idiots. I don’t know where you from but over here we know wha gwon. Save all that. It would be better if y’all owned it, ‘ya we bombed your shit! And what!?’ Instead you deny reality and don’t see how that reveals the reality about you.”
The reimagined story of Robyn Hood challenges traditional storytelling by casting Romeo as the famed hero, deviating from the traditional portrayal of the Robin Hood character by a white actor. The cast also features Black actors and individuals from diverse backgrounds in supporting roles. In the lead-up to the premiere, some YouTubers criticized the series as “woke garbage,” setting the stage for the controversy that followed.
Director X revealed the severity of the rating-bombing by displaying the dismal 1.6/10 score on IMDb and sharing snippets from disparaging YouTube videos, highlighting the racist undertones driving the backlash.
Robyn Hood ultimately has the potential to not only entertain but also spark important conversations about justice, inequality, racism, and the power of collective action. As the world tunes in every Wednesday at 10 p.m. on Global TV, Robyn Hood stands poised to make an everlasting impact on Canadian television.
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