Robin Hood is an upcoming film based on the Robin Hood legend, directed by Ridley Scott (American Gangster) and starring Russell Crowe (Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind).

Russell Crowe plays Robin Hood. It is his fifth collaboration with Scott. Having loved the character since childhood, Crowe joined the project despite being initially displeased with the script. He spent 10 “whole” months reading books about the character and his historical basis, noting “This has got to be the best [Robin Hood depiction] ever done, otherwise I should be doing something else.” Crowe put on weight for 2008’s Body of Lies, so Universal considered sending an NBA trainer to Australia to coach him back into fitness. Crowe trained with a bow and arrow for four months and was able to hit a target from 45 meters.

Also starring in the film are Cate Blanchett, Mark Strong, William Hurt, Kevin Durand, Alan Doyle, and Scott Grimes.

It is due for release on May 14, 2010.

VIDEO LINK: Robin Hood Trailer