Sean Bean Returns to Television with Major New Roles

11 December 2025 Acting Career

British Actor Takes on Iconic Villain Role

Sean Bean has joined the upcoming ‘Robin Hood’ series at MGM+, where he will star as the notorious Sheriff of Nottingham. This casting marks a significant shift for the actor known for playing heroes like Ned Stark in Game of Thrones and Boromir in The Lord of the Rings. The new Robin Hood series premiered on MGM+ with a special two-episode debut on Sunday, November 2, 2025.

A Fresh Take on a Classic Legend

This vision of the Sheriff of Nottingham is unique: a statesman, a strategist, and a builder of Nottingham itself—a loving father, a politician, and cousin to King Henry II who navigates the dangerous tides of power. Bean stars alongside Connie Nielsen as Eleanor of Aquitaine in the series, which offers a historically authentic and psychologically deep reimagining of the legendary tale.

Crime Drama Success on BBC

Earlier in 2025, Bean demonstrated his range with another major television role. This City Is Ours premiered on 23 March 2025 on BBC One with all episodes made available on BBC iPlayer. The series centres around Liverpudlian crime boss Ronnie Phelan, whose desire to retire from criminal life after one last major drug deal triggers an intense power struggle.

Critical and Commercial Triumph

The BBC crime drama has proven to be a significant success for Bean. This City Is Ours is currently the No. 7 TV show on HBO worldwide as of July 2, according to streaming charts. The show boasts a 91% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and a perfect 100% audience score. In May 2025, it was renewed for a second series.

Why This Matters for Viewers

Sean Bean’s dual television ventures in 2025 showcase his versatility and enduring appeal. For audiences, these projects offer compelling drama across different genres—from historical adventure to contemporary crime thriller. Both series represent high-quality television productions with strong ensemble casts and sophisticated storytelling. As streaming services continue to invest in premium content, Bean’s involvement signals quality programming worth viewers’ attention, whilst his ability to command both villain and antihero roles demonstrates why he remains one of Britain’s most respected actors.