Global has greenlit a new original Boat Rocker scripted series described as a contemporary re-imagining of Robin Hood, created by Toronto filmmaker and music-video helmer Director X (pictured).

The 8 x 60-minute Robyn Hood is set to premiere in 2023 with screenwriter Chris Roberts (Orphan Black, Frontier) as the writer. Casting is underway for the action drama, produced by Boat Rocker in association with Global owner Corus Entertainment.

The series is executive produced by Director X, Roberts, and Kerry Appleyard (Orphan Black, X-Company) for Boat Rocker Studios, Jill Green (Alex Rider, Magpie Murders) for Eleventh Hour Films, and Luti Fagbenle (Maxxx) for Luti Media. For Corus, Kathleen Meek is production executive; Rachel Nelson is VP, original content, scripted, factual and kids; Lisa Godfrey is senior VP of original content and Corus Studios.

Boat Rocker controls the international rights to the series with Boat Rocker handling distribution.

Production is slated to start this summer in the Toronto and Hamilton areas, depicting the protagonist as “a fearless young woman who is not just another superhero, with abilities normal people don’t have,” says a news release. “She is a Gen Zer driven by the injustices of today who embraces the heroic, hopeful and playful elements of the world’s most recognizable folk hero.”

Protagonist Robyn Loxley is in the masked hip-hop band The Hood, known for its inventive videos and anti-authoritarian message, and lives in the Sherwood Towers rental high-rises in a working-class corner of New Nottingham. The area is suffering from a massive wealth gap caused by a high cost of living and Robyn must fight for her home and her family against local property developer John Prince and The Sheriff.

Director X, who was born Julien Christian Lutz, is a Grammy-nominated director of major music videos including Drake’s Hotline Bling and features including Across the Line and Superfly. He’s also directed the Viceland series Mister Tachyon. Boat Rocker and Roberts previously worked together on Orphan Black.

“Robyn Hood is truly a bold and original take on a legendary tale, and we can’t wait for viewers to experience what we have in store,” said Ivan Schneeberg and David Fortier, co-executive chairmen at Boat Rocker Media and co-chairmen at Boat Rocker Studios, in a statement.

Said Godfrey: “We were immediately drawn to this modern, edgy interpretation of a classic legend that feels relevant to today and unlike any series we’ve launched on Global.”

Photo credit: Director X attends the photo call for Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Superfly at The London Hotel on June 3, 2018 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)