HBO Max sails off with Waititi pirate story

WarnerMedia-owned US streamer HBO Max has ordered an original period comedy series from director and exec producer Taika Waititi.

Taika Waititi (photo: Gage Skidmore via CC)

Our Flag Means Death is loosely based on the true adventures of Stede Bonnet, a pampered aristocrat who abandoned his life of privilege to become a pirate.

Waititi (What We Do In The Shadows, Jojo Rabbit) will exec produce the series and direct the pilot. Series creator and showrunner David Jenkins (People of Earth) executive produces with producer Garrett Basch (The Night Of, What We Do in the Shadows) and Dan Halsted.

Plans are for the first episode to be shot after Waititi finishes production on theatrical release Thor: Love & Thunder.

Sarah Aubrey, head of original content at HBO Max, said: “A series concept like this jumps off the page and you can instantly envision every moment. David and Taika’s unique take on Bonnet’s rollicking misadventures on the high seas are sure to thrill and delight audiences everywhere.”