Danish actress Connie Nielsen is excited about her latest role, this time in MGM+’s historical drama “Robin Hood.”
“This is at least my third queen,” Nielsen joked, referring to her previous portrayals.
She has played Queen Hippolyta in both “Wonder Woman” films, as well as Lucilla in “Gladiator” and its sequel. “Once you play one, I think it makes it easier to take on a second or third,” she added.
Set to air for the first time on Sunday, November 2nd at 9 p.m., “Robin Hood” is a gritty take on 12th century England. The story follows Rob (Jack Patten), a Saxon forester’s son, and Marian (Lauren McQueen), the daughter of a Norman lord, as they seek justice in a tumultuous time. Rob forms a group of outlaws and encounters the Sheriff of Nottingham (Sean Bean), while Marian navigates the court and meets Queen Eleanor (Nielsen).
Nielsen, who has plenty of experience with period dramas, noticed a significant oversight during production. “On my first day, I walked into these grand rooms and saw a giant globe,” she recalled.
She pointed out to the director that globes didn’t really appear until around 1494, highlighting that Columbus believed you would fall off the earth if you went too far. “So, it felt rather optimistic for her court,” she noted, suggesting they remove it. The production team quickly agreed.
While both “Robin Hood” and “Gladiator” feature her as formidable women, Nielsen sees them as distinctly different characters. “Lucilla has a gentleness that Eleanor lacks,” she explained. “Eleanor has the hard edge that comes from lifelong leadership.”
She elaborated on Eleanor’s character, describing her as a queen who is, to some extent, an underdog. “She’s fighting to regain her power. Placing Robin Hood in that historical framework really adds depth.”
Regarding her role as Queen Hippolyta, Nielsen confirmed she won’t be returning. With James Gunn’s changes at DC, including a new Superman and potential reshuffling of the cast, it seems unlikely the original actors from the 2017 “Wonder Woman” will reprise their roles.
Nonetheless, she expressed a desire to return to the character. “I loved Hippolyta. Being the Queen of the Amazons ranks among my favorite roles ever. I really connect with her,” she shared. “To play that warrior, I was committed to training every day.”
