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Could the upcoming Disney live-action Robin Hood film be bringing a familiar voice from the MCU?
Credit: Walt Disney Animation
It’s the 50th anniversary of Disney’s animated classic Robin Hood (1973), featuring the voice talents of Brian Bedford, Roger Miller, and Phil Harris.- Although we remember the classic from 1973, today, we’re also looking forward to its live-action adaptation!
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The classic story of Robin Hood, the outlaw of Sherwood Forest who steals from the rich and gives to the poor, took on a new medium when The Walt Disney Company decided to animate the tale.
Featuring notable characters like Prince John, Little John, and King Richard, the story quickly became a precious retelling of days of old in England. Accompanied by the famed song, “Oo-De-Lally,” immortalized by Alan-A-Dale (Roger Miller), Robin Hood is a successful retelling, beautifully designed masterpiece with an anthropomorphic twist.
‘Robin Hood’ and His Merry Men
Robin Hood (Brian Bedford), a sly fox with a competence for archery, becomes the enemy of The Sheriff of Nottingham (Pat Buttram), who’s been deputized by the evil Prince John (Peter Ustinov).
Credit: Disney
Upon joining forces with a trusted friend, Little John (Phil Harris), and other merry men, Robin Hood enters an archery tournament disguised to win the gaze of Maid Marian and get close to Prince John.
A “lighthearted” battle complete with hilarious characters like Friar Tuck, Lady Kluck, and others ensues. Ultimately, Robin Hood and his band of merry marauders are successful in their venture to bring down the corrupt government officials whose taxation is a detriment to the community.
The Disney Live-Action Treatment
Even 50 years later, the retelling of the old English folktale, which has seen a revival in other live-action sequences, including Kevin Costner’s version, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991), holds a unique and special place in the hearts of Disney fans.
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Hearing those lyrics strike up immediately takes many of us back to a simpler time when characters like Little John, Sir Hiss, and Mother Rabbit drown us in nostalgia. Hearing the voices of greats like Peter Ustinov and Kari Granlund or lyrics to masterfully crafted Disney original songs like “Love” by George Bruns and Floyd Huddleston reminds us of the olden days of Walt Disney animation.
However, much like the days of The Little Mermaid (1989), Beauty and the Beast (1991), and Aladdin (1992), Robin Hood, in all its animated goodness, is currently slated to get the live-action treatment alongside other classic Disney titles like The Sword in the Stone (1963).
What We Know About Live-Action ‘Robin Hood’
Although we don’t know much, we do know that the live-action take on Robin Hood, much like The Lion King (2019), will take a CGI approach.
If the past tells us anything regarding how Disney will handle this particular live-action remake, we can determine that as there will be zero onscreen performances given; unlike Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which will utilize live-action mixed with CGI, a strong voice cast, similar to that used in The Lion King, will be necessary to draw attention to Robin Hood.
There won’t be an Emma Watson, Will Smith, or Halle Barry on screen for Disney’s newest anthropomorphic tale. Much like Jon Favreau’s The Jungle Book (2016), which was well-received by audiences, all film sequences will be animated, except there won’t even be a main character who’s an actual human.
Credit: Disney
So, where does that leave us in terms of voice talent. To be honest, it’s anyone’s guess. However, some think they know who should being Wolfgang Reitherman’s animated Robin Hood to life, well, at least his voice.
We also know that Mexican filmmaker Carlos Lopez Estrada (Raya and the Last Dragon, 2021 on Disney+) will take on the new live-action remake of Robin Hood. If rumors are true, as reported by Inside the Magic, much like many of Disney’s latest ventures, this one could be incredibly “woke,” as some would call it.
A Familiar MCU Voice Could Lend Itself to Disney’s New’ Robin Hood’
“Robin Hood and Star-Lord walking through the forest…”
Producer Justin Springer will be heralding the new live-action project, but little word has been given regarding who he hopes to capture in terms of voice acting. Not to worry, though, as the internet has suitable suggestions in place, with one being highly popular among Disney fans.
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According to Disney Wiki, message board users want none other than Chris Pratt, most famous for his role as Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), to voice the part of Robin Hood.
Pratt, whose career has since taken off after his onscreen performances of Peter Quill in the MCU, isn’t a stranger to animals or voice acting. Most notably, the charismatic actor handled the voice of Mario in the smash hit by Warner Bros, Super Mario Bros (2023), over the summer. As well, Pratt is well-known for his role as Owen Grady in the Jurassic World franchise trilogy.
Credit: Marvel Studios
Chris Pratt is likely, and in my opinion, a big enough star to bring a great deal of light to the new Robin Hood project. However, it doesn’t seem likely, as Pratt, an outspoken Christian, has come under fire from progressive groups for his affiliations with churches that condemn the practice of abortion.
However, since his time on NBC’s Parks and Recreations (2009), Pratt has proven time again that he’s flexible enough, and funny enough, in his approach that he’d be an excellent name for Robin Hood. Also, Pratt’s status in Hollywood, seemingly a rising star since his time in the MCU, would be a big draw for audiences and appeal to fanbases who typically wouldn’t see a new live-action Disney film.
So, who do you think should handle the voice acting in the new Disney live-action Robin Hood?
