Release Date: May 14, 2010

It?s official: metal is the new opera when it comes to soundtracking ye olde action epics this year. The crunching riffs and angsty shots in the trailer to Ridley Scott?s long-brewing revisit to Sherwood Forest make it clear that this ain?t Errol Flynn in green tights or Kevin Costner in a mullet -- 2010?s prince of thieves is more gladiator and prancing pilferer, and to prove it, there?s Russell Crowe grunting and scowling and sporting practically the same outfit he wore for Scott in Ancient Rome. Not so merry men, indeed.

Scott?s fifth collaboration with Crowe promises to be something of an origin story, finding historical basis in the legend by telling of Hood?s days as an archer in the service of King Richard, before he became a man in tights redistributing the crown?s wealth. Rest assured, though, we get all the old favorites along the way, including the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham (Macfadyen) and Maid Marian (Cate Blanchett); plus Sherlock Holmes? bad guy Mark Strong as Sir Godfrey. It?s the first time since Gladiator that the Scott-Crowe connection has gone all period action epic, so hopes are high for this one.

As for the metal in the trailer, the script was written by Brian Helgeland, who directed A Knight?s Tale? is there something you?re not telling us, Sir Ridley? Will Russell break out the six-string for an AC/DC solo mid-fight?