Cast as the royal sons of Eleanor were Danny Huston as King Richard the Lionheart and Oscar Isaac as Richard’s younger brother John, who takes the throne after his sibling is killed. 

Isaac explains a bit about the ruler: "We meet him as Prince John, and he’s quite hedonistic, a libertine. Nothing is expected of him, so he gladly says, ‘Fine, if you don’t expect anything from me, I’ll give you nothing,’ and he spends his time in bed with his French mistress. 

"Then he finds out that Richard has died and now it’s his turn to be king - his turn to prove everyone, particularly his mother, wrong.  He’s full of fear and doubt, but he thinks he can be a better king. 

"The problem is that he has a lot of anger and a maniacal ego; he believes through sheer will and intellect he can make England great."

Matthew Macfadyen, who shot to international acclaim after his portrayal of Mr. Darcy in Pride & Prejudice, stars as the archetypal villain, the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Explains Maid Marion herself, Blanchett, of his character and performance: "What I find so interesting about this version of the Sheriff of Nottingham is that it’s the weak who are often the most evil, because they’re the most compromised. 

"There’s a moment, and it’s brilliantly played by Matthew, where he suddenly says, ‘I’m British!  No, I’m French!’ and he’s prepared to go over to whichever side.  It’s the weak people from whom you have the most to fear."

Robin Hood is out now.

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