"Arrow" star Stephen Amell is aware of the upcoming Filipino show "Alyas Robin Hood." Starring Dingdong Dantes and Miss World 2013 Megan Young, the new show is set to premiere in the Philippines on Sept. 19 on GMA.
With its recently released trailer, "Alyas Robin Hood" was criticized as an "Arrow" copycat. In a statement, GMA Entertainment vice president for drama Redgie Magno responded to the criticisms saying Robin Hood has had different reincarnations or versions in different countries including Russia, Brazil and Japan.
"What we are now seeing here is a modern version of Robin Hood," Magno said of "Alyas Robin Hood." He said the upcoming show is "an adaptation of a universal figure made inspirational and relevant to the Filipino audience."
Developed by Lilybeth Rasonable, "Alyas Robin Hood" is inspired by Robin Hood, a heroic outlaw in English folklore. According to legend, he was a high skilled archer and swordsman.
Traditionally depicted as being dressed in Lincoln green, Robin Hood is known for stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. Prior to "Arrow" and "Alyas Robin Hood," there have been several TV series inspired by the folkloric hero such as the BBC One series "Robin Hood" aired from 2006 to 2009.
Released in 1908, "Robin Hood and His Merry Men" was the first appearance of the folkloric hero on the big screen. It is a silent film directed by Percy Stow.
There is a long list of actors who have portrayed Robin Hood before Dantes. Among the actors who played the role in the 2010s are Russell Crow in the film "Robin Hood," Tom Ellis in "Once Upon a Time" Season 2, Sean Maguire in "Once Upon a Time" Season 3 and Tom Riley in "Doctor Who" Season 8.
Robin Hood has never appeared in the Arrowverse. However, the folkloric hero is the inspiration of the character Oliver Queen/Green Arrow, which is played by Amell in "Arrow."
A futuristic "Robin Hood" is also being developed by Gianni Nunnari. It will be directed by Hasraf "HaZ" Dulull and written by Tony Lee.
"HaZ brings the grounded realistic approach to the world depicting technology and people in a not too distant dystopian London," Hollywood Reporter quoted Nunnari as saying. Both Dulull and Lee are London-based.
Watch the "Alyas Robin Hood" trailer here: