AMERICA AND THE AUSSIES STEAL ROBIN HOOD (AGAIN!)

The decision is all the more surprising given that the film is being directed by one of Britain’s most revered film-makers, Sir Ridley Scott.

Russell Crowe, a New Zealander, plays the eponymous hero alongside Australian star Cate Blanchett as Maid Marian.

It is Crowe’s fifth collaboration with Scott, who directed him in Gladiator.

But it’s the news that a trio of Americans will play the Merry Men that has really upset fans.

It raises the spectre of Sherwood  Forest vibrating to a motley collection of accents, much like the 1991 film Prince Of Thieves, which starred Americans Kevin Costner as Robin, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as Maid Marian and Christian Slater as Will Scarlett.

This time the role of Will has gone to Scott Grimes, 37, best known for playing Dr Archie Morris in the TV series E.R.

Little John, Robin’s tough-as-nails right-hand man, is to be played by a Canadian, Kevin Durand, 34, who starred alongside Crowe in the Western remake 3:10 To Yuma. He also appeared in the hit TV series Lost.

The character is one of the best loved in Robin Hood folklore, memorably duelling with the outlaw with staffs as they try to cross a river from opposite banks, before becoming firm friends.

And the role of Alan-a-Dayle has gone to another Canadian, Alan Doyle, who is not even an actor.

He is the lead singer of a Canadian folk-rock band, Great Big Sea, best known for its sea shanties.

Terence Doyle, editor of British Film Magazine, said: “These are frankly bizarre casting choices when you consider the depth of acting talent available in the UK.

“Once again Robin Hood has been hijacked by Hollywood.”

Fans have registered their dissatisfaction with angry postings on the website of Empire magazine.

“Are there seriously no British actors that could have filled these roles?” asks one.

Another movie buff says: “Has everyone in Britain p***** Ridley Scott off?”

In Scott’s view, Errol Flynn’s portrayal of Robin in the 1938 movie was “a bit cheesy”.

His £85million, all-action version will show the outlaw as a troubled soul with “abandonment issues”.

It will claim Robin found a sense of belonging with his men because he was abandoned as a child.

The Sheriff of Nottingham will be downgraded to a bit part and the Normans will be Robin’s principal enemies.

Scott is confident he can silence his critics. “Think of Gladiator,” he said. “Everyone sniggered because they thought I was going to do a sandal and toga movie. But I knew exactly how to do it. And I know how to do Robin Hood.”