DreamWorks Buys Pitch For Revisionist Robin Hood Film 'Merry Men'

Just when you thought you'd seen every single angle someone could take on the Robin Hood story, Hollywood has come up with another. The latest is a revenge thriller centered on Robin's friends, a la Ocean's Eleven or The Dirty Dozen. It's called Merry Men, and DreamWorks just spent seven figures to acquire it. Brad Ingelsby (Out of the Furnace) will write, Neal Moritz (Fast Five) will produce and Scott Waugh (Act of Valor) will direct. 

Deadline broke the news of this deal, which was for the idea, not a finished script. Ingelsby is still writing while Waugh is off working on Need for Speed. That means, at the very earliest, it wouldn't go in front of cameras until next year.

So how is Merry Men different from all the different iterations of Robin Hood we've seen in the past? (Which include, but aren't limited to, versions that are serious, comedic, violent, family friendly, and animated.) Tonally, this one sounds like it blends those approaches:

This is an ensemble piece centered around the supporting characters Little John, Friar Tuck, Maid Marian and Will Scarlet. There is a high-concept revenge angle that tonally is reminiscent of The Dirty Dozen and Ocean's Eleven.

Moritz being attached as a producer, also gives you a good idea of what to expect. He's the uber-successful producer behind the Fast and Furious franchise, as well as 21 Jump Street, the Fox show Prison Break and much more. His movies rarely are super-serious. Most of the time they have high-octane action that revolves around humor and character chemistry. Take that model and apply it to Robin, Little John, Friar Tuck, etc.

Do you think a Ocean's Eleven Robin Hood movie sounds cool?