A new, much longer trailer for the upcoming HBO Max comedy series, Our Flag Means Death, gives us our best look yet at Rhys Darby as Stede Bonnet, an aspiring pirate who ends up in much deeper water than he can possibly handle. Released by HBO Max's YouTube channel, the latest footage from Our Flag Means Death promises a ludicrously brilliant comedy that delightfully basks in its unusual setting.
Our Flag Means Death is a unique new comedy, and as bizarre as the events seem, the series is loosely based on the true adventures of 18th-century would-be pirate, Stede Bonnet. After trading in his comfortable life for one of a buccaneer, Stede becomes captain of a pirate ship but struggles to earn the respect of his potentially mutinous crew. Unfortunately, Bonnet’s desire to become a pirate hits a major snag over his hatred of using violence. Wanting to be known as a non-violent, gentle pirate, Stede’s fortunes change after a fateful run-in with the infamous Captain Blackbeard, played by Taika Waititi.
The newly released footage also gives us a much better idea of what actor and director Taika Waititi will be up to as the notorious pirate, Blackbeard. "Our Blackbeard is a legend, a lover, a fighter, a tactical genius, a poetic soul, and quite possibly insane," Our Flag Means Death creator David Jenkins said of the character’s depiction in the series. "Only one man could play this role, and that is the great Taika Waititi. We're thrilled beyond measure he's decided to don the beard."
Taken under the wing of one of the most brutal pirates to have ever sailed the seven seas, the kind-hearted Stede Bonnet struggles over whether he can put aside his moral code in order to learn from the best. On the flip side, Blackbeard’s icy heart could end up being warmed by the good-natured Bonnet, as the two very different men learn surprising lessons from each other. With much hilarity, of course.
Our Flag Means Death Features an All-Star Cast
Our Flag Means Death features an all-star cast led by Rhys Darby as Stede Bonnet and Taika Waititi as Blackbeard. They will be supported by Kristian Nairn as Wee John Feeney, Nathan Foad as Lucius, Samson Kayo as Oluwande, Rory Kinnear as Captain Nigel Badminton and Chauncey Badminton, Con O'Neill as Izzy, Vico Ortiz as Bonifacia, Ewen Bremner as Buttons, David Fane as Fang, Joel Fry as Frenchie, Guz Khan as Ivan, and Matthew Maher as Black Pete.
The series will also feature recurring roles for the likes of Leslie Jones, Nat Faxon, Fred Armisen, and Samba Schutte.
Created by David Jenkins and comprised of ten episodes, Our Flag Means Death is scheduled to air the first three episodes on HBO Max on March 3. The season continues with three more episodes on March 10, two episodes on March 17, and will conclude with the final two episodes on March 24. Our Flag Means Death is just one of several intriguing projects due for release on HBO Max including, Love and Death, Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, and The Staircase.