"Ridley has created and set up a world where all the men have been called to war by King Richard, and where Marion has therefore become the lady of the manor," Blanchett adds. 

"She’s presiding over a village that has no men, and so she’s having to take on the role, a bit like in the Second World War, where women had to move into industry and do things that they wouldn’t otherwise have done.

Joining the cast as Eleanor of Aquitaine, widow of Henry II, as well as Richard and John’s aging mother and one of the fiercest women to help rule the Western world, was Dame Eileen Atkins. From Gosford Park to Cold Mountain, the multi-award winner has often moved audiences with her powerful performances. 

Atkins offers a bit of backstory to her character: "It’s sad that Eleanor clearly doesn’t love John.  There’s no doubt he’s right when he says, ‘You only cared ever about my brother.’  Nevertheless, the throne is the throne, and he’s going to get it. 

"She cares passionately about ruling and keeping the lands that they have. She’s fought so hard to extend England halfway across France, and she doesn’t want to lose it all. 

"In considering the huge picture, which she’s thinking in terms of gaining land, she doesn’t think quite enough about how the peasants are getting on.  But she has a lot of wisdom, and she’s certainly a great manipulator."

One of the puppets on her strings is Isabella of Angoulême, played by young French actress Lea Seydoux of Inglourious Basterds. We are introduced to Isabella, whom Eleanor initially despises, as Prince John’s not-so-secret lover. 

Isabella ultimately marries the future ruler of England and quickly realizes that the only way of guaranteeing her time on the throne is to serve as a mouthpiece for her mother-in-law, as Eleanor secrets her strategy for John.

Robin Hood is released 12th May

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