A reimagining of the classic Robin Hood story is in the works at Disney, which purchased the material from first-time screenwriter Brandon Barker. This big screen feature, titled Nottingham & Hood, is already being compared to the studio’s enormously successful Pirates of the Caribbean series. Disney is hoping that its Robin Hood movie could turn into a long-running franchise like Pirates.

Considering the timelessness of this well-loved story about a rogue with a heart of gold who steals from the rich and gives to the poor, it’s easy to imagine it becoming a lucrative motion picture series. Tales about the early anti-hero, believed by some to be loosely based on real events, have captivated the public for hundreds of years.

Several movies, dating back to Hollywood’s silent days, have been based on the popular figure. There have been all kinds of adaptations over the years, including the Mel Brooks musical comedy spoof Men in Tights in 1993, and the more serious Prince of Thieves starring Kevin Costner. The most memorable interpretation of the character was probably performed by Errol Flynn when he starred in The Adventures of Robin Hood back in 1938. In addition to the big screen, the story has been adapted for TV a couple of times.

Sony is getting in on the Sherwood Forest action with its own project by Cory Goodman, who is currently working on Underworld: The Next Generation, and new writer Jeremy Lott.