The Hollywood Reporter is carrying the latest casting news surrounding Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood with word William Hurt will play William Marshall, the Earl of Pembroke, a historical figure who was one of the most powerful men in Europe. Marshall was a servant to the Plantagenet kings and one of the best jousters of the era.
Robin Hood (a title that is not yet guaranteed) is already filming in the UK with Russell Crowe in the lead role as Robin of Loxley in an origin story of Robin Hood that hews close to historical facts of the period. Abandoned as a child, he finds community with the common people of Nottingham. Robin’s abandonment and trust issues hamper his ability to fall in love. He meets his match in Marian, a strong, independent woman.
Also joining Crowe are Cate Blanchett as Maid Marian along with Mark Strong, Scott Grimes, Kevin Durand, Alan Doyle, Vanessa Redgrave and Oscar Isaac. Brian Helgeland (L.A. Confidential) penned the script and Universal has already set a May 14, 2010 release date.
