The Universal Studios action-adventure starring Russell Crowe will screen out of competition.

Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood will be the opening night film of the 2010 Cannes Film Festival on May 12.

The film will be shown out of competition.

Russell Crowe, Mark Strong, Cate Blanchett, Léa Seydoux, Matthew Macfadyen, Max Von Sydow, and Danny Huston star.

Brian Helgeland wrote the screenplay, an update of the famed legend of an archer fighting corruption in Nottingham. Brian Grazer and Imagine Entertainment are producing.

Universal is distributing; Robin Hood will be released in France the day of its Cannes premiere; the worldwide launch will follow on May 14.

The 63rd Cannes Film Festival runs May 12-23.