Looks like Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood will kick off this year’s Cannes Film Festival after he secured the opening night Non-Competition screening.

InContention shares:

Ridley Scott’s “Robin Hood” has secured the opening night slot at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival on May 12, two days ahead of its US and UK release date.

Like last year’s Cannes opener, “Up,” the film will premiere out of competition, affording it the lustre, but not the critical pressure, of a festival berth.

Like the opening act of a concert, its not who you are there to see, but you will enjoy the show anyways.

This will also provide a tidal wave of online reviews for the film just in time for its release. Scott must be pretty confident with his medieval Gladiator film.