Pirates have been out of the limelight for a while but if there’s anyone who can bring back the art of buccaneering in hilarious fashion, it’s Taika Waititi, who stars inHBO Max’s upcoming comedy at seaOur Flag Means Death.
Waititi joins fellow New Zealander and protagonist Rhys Darby (What We Do in the ShadowsandJumanji), as both men star in a newHBO Maxseries that puts a funny twist on the lives of pirate legends like Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet, respectively.Our Flag Means Death, set during the golden age of piracy, will mostly focus Bonnet’s side of the story as the man known in history books as “The Gentleman Pirate” navigates his way into a life of ransacking deeds after being raised in a wealthy family, much unlike most of his colleagues.
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Judging from the trailer released by HBO Max, the series will lean heavily on that premise. The opening seconds show Bonnet trying to teach his crew some manners before encountering a less than welcoming reception from his new peers, including the all too famous Blackbeard.Our Flag Means Deathclearly takes its comedic chops seriously, asSaturday Night Livealumni Leslie Jones and Fred Armisen also join a cast that includesKristian Nairn (Hodor fromGame of Thrones)and Rory Kinnear (Tanner in Daniel Craig’s Bond films).
If the sound of Jethro Tull’s music is not enough of a giveaway, this preview forOur Flag Means Deathhas plenty ofWaititi DNA (just like hisStar Warsstory). He will not only be co-starring but also acting as executive producer and directing the pilot episode for the show created by David Jenkins. Despite this intriguing reveal and no matter how good Waititi looks as Blackbeard, there’s still no announced released date for the series nor any confirmation of how many episodes it will feature.
Waititi started shootingOur Flag Means Deathshortly after havingwrapped up filming forThor: Love and Thunder, where Waititi will reprise his role as Korg to add yet another credit to his resume of playing eccentric characters like hisFree Guyvillain or his Hitler incarnation inJojo Rabbit. Those not too familiar with pirate history should know that Bonnet and Blackbeard joined forces in 1717, partly due to Bonnet’s inability to command his crew properly (like the trailer suggests), though ultimately both men suffered the same fate that befell most pirates.
It’s a mystery whetherOur Flag Means Deathwill feature some other famous pirates from that era, such as Bartholomew Roberts and Calico Jack. However, this trailer for the show will surely inspire many topick back upSea of Thieves,Sid Meier’s Pirates!, andAssassin’s Creed 4: Black Flagto fill thatPirates of the Caribbean-shaped hole in their hearts.
Our Flag Means Deathwill be available onHBO Max.
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