First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly with 'The Death of Robin Hood' Producer Aaron Ryder at Belfast Harbour Studios. Photo by Aidan Monaghan
The First Minister, Deputy First Minister, and Economy Minister recently visited the set of the highly anticipated film The Death of Robin Hood at Belfast Harbour Studios, hailing it as a landmark achievement for Northern Ireland’s burgeoning screen industry.
The production, starring Hollywood heavyweights Hugh Jackman and Jodie Comer, is being filmed across various picturesque locations in the region, including Silent Valley, Glenarm, Murlough Bay, and Belfast Harbour Studios, with post-production set to take place at Yellowmoon in Holywood, County Down.
The film, supported by Northern Ireland Screen, is seen as a major coup for the local creative economy, showcasing the region’s skilled workforce and stunning landscapes.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill praised the project’s impact, saying, “Our film and TV industry is booming and is a vital part of our creative economy. The north has established itself as a leading location for filming, and we continue to attract major movies and television series thanks to our highly skilled people and fantastic landscapes.
“Securing The Death of Robin Hood has provided an important opportunity to raise the north’s screen industry profile even further. This project will employ a large number of local crew on a large-scale project, ensuring skills are utilised and ready for the next big production.”
Pictured visiting the set of ‘The Death of Robin Hood’, which is being filmed at Belfast Harbour Studios, are (from left): Mark Huffam, NI Screen board member; Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald; First Minister Michelle O’Neill; Sir David Sterling, Chairman, NI Screen; Aaron Ryder, Producer, The Death of Robin Hood; deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly; Dr Theresa Donaldson, Chair, Belfast Harbour; Richard Williams, CEO of NI Screen and Joe O’Neill, CEO, Belfast Harbour. Photo by Aidan Monaghan
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly echoed these sentiments during her visit to the set.
“From shaping modern culture to driving economic prosperity, the creative industries right here in Northern Ireland remain an unrivalled force of creativity and influence over today’s world,” she said.
“I was delighted to visit the set of The Death of Robin Hood and see first-hand the work of the local screen industry. Productions such as this provide highly skilled job opportunities and in turn will help attract more big-budget films and TV productions. I want to commend the efforts of all involved and wish The Death of Robin Hood every success when it is released.”
Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald highlighted the global appeal of Northern Ireland as a filming destination.
“It was a great privilege to see how our screen industry, with the support of NI Screen, is helping attract exciting productions like this to the north,” she said. “We are recognised globally as a highly desirable filming location, not only for our diverse, beautiful, and accessible locations, but also because of the outstanding skills base that has been built here. I am keen to develop this further, with the screen industries having been identified as one of the seven priority sectors for my Department.”
The Death of Robin Hood production team has also expressed enthusiasm for working in Northern Ireland.
Producer Aaron Ryder, alongside the filmmaking team, remarked, “We were brought to Northern Ireland by Northern Ireland Screen and Lime Tree Films to scout the areas. From the minute we set foot here, it was rather clear we were going to be shooting the film here. From the local cast and crew to the spectacular locations, Northern Ireland has exceeded all of our expectations. We all feel very lucky to be here and are honoured to be working with so many talented people.”
Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen, underscored the significance of the project.
“Northern Ireland Screen is delighted to welcome The Death of Robin Hood to our shores,” he said.
“The production was drawn to Northern Ireland by our breathtaking cinematic locations, our world-class crew, exceptional facilities, and financial incentives.
“The backing of the First Minister, Deputy First Minister, and Economy Minister underscores the Executive’s strong commitment to the continued growth of our screen industry. We are proud to see Northern Ireland once again play a leading role in international filmmaking.”
The Death of Robin Hood, written and directed by Michael Sarnoski (Pig, A Quiet Place: Day One), reimagines the legendary outlaw as a battle-worn recluse grappling with a heavy conscience after a life of crime. Alongside Jackman and Comer, the film features Bill Skarsgård (IT, Nosferatu) and Murray Bartlett (The Last of Us, The White Lotus).
The project is financed by Lyrical Media with funding support from Northern Ireland Screen, produced by Ryder Picture Company’s Aaron Ryder and Andrew Swett, Lyrical Media’s Alexander Black, and Hugh Jackman. A24 holds U.S. distribution rights, while True Brit Entertainment will release the film in the UK and Ireland.
With its star-studded cast, local talent, and breathtaking scenery, *The Death of Robin Hood* is poised to further cement Northern Ireland’s reputation as a global hub for film and television production when it hits screens.