Despite the trailers that suggest “Robin Hood” is the same story we’ve seen in every other production about the outlaw, the new movie, opening May 14, is actually a prequel of sorts. No Sherwood Forest. No stealing from the rich. Very little Sheriff of Nottingham.

Instead, it creates a backstory for Robin Longstride, beginning with his time spent as an archer during the Crusades. He then returns home to England where he poses as the son of a land baron and meets Lady Marion. There is a subplot about King John’s onerous taxation, but the real conflict is in trying to repel an invasion by the French army.

“Robin Hood” ends where the other movies about the archer pick up: With the character living in the forest with his band of merry men and on the run from the law.