This Robin was snotty, obnoxious, and sexist, which for stereotype purposes was cinched by making him French.
There was also that choreography, ranging from Irish step-dancing, to West Side Story-esque rumble. I think it was all done just for comic effect (and quite successfully, as I’m not the first to point out).
Yeah, he’s meant to be this rogueish lover. So naturally you’d make him French.
Then again, perhaps he went to school in Quebec.
I didn’t understand it either. I’m embarrassed to admit that it annoyed me a great deal - that’s my country’s legendary hero, not some bloody Frenchman! Marley23 probably has the reason for it. Can’t think of any other. The scene was funny - because of Princess Fiona’s ass-kicking, not because of the accents.
Ive always thought it was a take on Robin Hood and Men in Tights. If i remember correctly the script goes something like:
Sheriff: And why would the people follow you?
Robin: Because unlike other Robin Hoods, I can speak with an English accent.
Sheriff: Hmm…
In Hollywood films English accents are for the baddies, Robin Hood is a goody so can’t have an English accent.