Yup, the well of creativity has definitely run dry in Tinsel town.

The most frequently adapted medieval English folklore is still as popular today as ever. Just as the Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood version with Russell Crowe is undergoing production, yet another one is apparently in the works. According to RiskyBusinessBlog, the untitled version is getting a futuristic makeover courtesy of the producers of  The Dark Knight and 300, as well as Warner Bros. [there’s been an update on the project, per Cinema Blend about who’ll write and direct the movie]

So instead of bows and arrow, our favorite man in tights will be gunslinging in dystopian London and the story will focus on a band of thieves whose activities restore hope to the city’s embattled population. The producers bill it as a ‘futuristic action adventure’ that’ll both be inspired by and pay homage to Robin Hood. Ok, I’ll give ’em some credit for taking a different spin instead of just a straight remake.

Jason Hall, the screenwriter of the upcoming Ashton Kutcher dramedy Spread, will write the screenplay. Not sure what other stuff he’s got under his belt that’ll make me think he’s the right guy for this, but I can tell you right now I’m not too crazy about the Spread trailer. It’s basically a great vehicle to ogle Ashton Kutcher, if he rocks your boat that is.

In any case, now I kind of wish sir Ridley would have stuck with the original idea of making the Sheriff of Nottingham as the good guy opposite less-noble Robin of Sherwood—I mean it could very well be the case anyway depending on where you look at it—so it’d be a novelty take of the centuries-old tale. When I first heard of it, it was called Nottinghamand immediately I thought, why didn’t someone think of that? They’ve got enough adaptations of Robin as the hero anyway, and we know Russell can play any ambiguously moral character worth rooting for.

Now, they haven’t cast the role of Robin in the futuristic version, but my mind keeps going back to British actor Richard Armitage. He’s practically unknown to US audiences but you might’ve noticed him in BBC miniseries North & South and the Robin Hood series that just ended recently. He played Robin’s nemesis, the dark and brooding Guy of Gisborne, and stole hearts everywhere. Seriously, when they cast someone who looks like THAT as the villain, who’s going to pay attention to the hero??

Richard also has a recurrent role in the BBC spy drama Spooks (a.k.a MI-5) that’s been airing on PBS, as agent Lucas North. So he’s definitely got the looks, charisma, acting chops, delicious British accent, plus that deep, throaty voice. What more could you ask for? Plus he’s already got that kick-@$$ black shiny leather suit that’ll look awesome as a futuristic Robin.

Just take a look at the clip from the BBC series below (between Guy and his boss, the Sheriff of Nottingham). If only I were his agent, I’d march him to audition for the role pronto!

Ok, now that I’ve got my casting fantasy out of the way, it’d be interesting to see what’s to become of this. It was tough enough to even get the Ridley’s version off the ground (that’s also produced by Warner Bros.), with even the weather + leaf colors being a factor in the delay of its release. Who knows whether they’d end up putting the kibosh on this one.

What do you think folks? Are you at all interested to see a futuristic Robin Hood film?