Taika Waititi to Star In HBO Max Pirate Comedy As Blackbeard

Do you want to know what the world has really lacked when it comes to entertainment genres? Good old pirate shows. Sure, we have plenty of Pirates of the Caribbean movies (and that list keeps growing!) But what about something else that gives us swashbuckling fun? Fortunately, something is in the works. We have just learned that Taika Waititi will be leading in an HBO Max pirate comedy as Blackbeard. So, let’s take a look at what we know about Our Flag Means Death!

Blackbeard Is Coming to HBO Max Series With Taika Waititi Behind Role

News of Our Flag Means Death dropped late last year. Rhys Darby has already been attached to the project in another leading role – that of Stede Bonnet. Bonnet is a real-life historical figure known for his role as captain on the infamous “The Revenge” pirate ship. When Darby joined the cast, we were already anticipating Waititi to executive produce and direct the pilot for the series. Fortunately, we now know that they’ll be co-starring as well!

Taika Waititi will play Blackbeard in the HBO Max series. David Jenkins, the series creator, claimed that the Blackbeard they are hoping to show is “a legend, a lover, a fighter, a tactical genius, a poetic soul, and quite possibly insane,” adding that Waititi is the only man who can portray all of these thrilling traits!

Darby, Waititi, and Jenkins are also joined by Garret Basch and Dan Halstead, who will serve as executive producers on the show.

Image via Fox Searchlight

The jack of all trades, Waititi, has been at the top of our must-watch list for years. After early works like What We Do in the Shadows and Hunt for the Wilderpeople, the director jumped into the MCU with the colorful and hilarious Thor: Ragnarok. He has since proved his further acting and directing chops with his Oscar-winning Jojo Rabbit. Oh, and there’s even a short (but sweet) Coca-Cola commercial directed by Taika Waititi! After all of this work, it’s no surprise that he’ll be playing a legendary pirate.

We can’t wait to see Taika Waititi bring Blackbeard to the small screen when Our Flag Means Death comes to HBO Max. Time to get our pirate swords polished!

Featured image via Gage Skidmore on Flickr.

Meghan Hale is the kind of movie lover that has a "must watch" that is a mile long... and growing. When she isn't talking about the latest film and television news she is writing one of her many in-process novels, screaming film trivia at anybody who will listen, and working as a mental health care professional. Follow her on Twitter @meghanrhale for some fun theories and live reactions to all things entertainment.