HBO Max is developing a period pirate comedy titled Our Flag Means Death, with Taikia Waititi attached as an executive producer.
Our Flag Means Death is created by David Jenkins, who also serves as the series showrunner. The comedy is loosely based on the life of Stede Bonnet, who left his life of privilege to become a pirate. In addition to serving as an executive producer, Waititi will also direct the pilot episode.
The pilot will be shot after he completes production on Thor: Love and Thunder, which he will direct. Waititi currently has a full plate. In addition to Thor: Love and Thunder, he is co-writing and directing a Star Wars film and stars in a yet to be disclosed role in James Gunn's The Suicide Squad. Finally, he is also developing two series based on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for Netflix.
The full press release for the series follows below:
LOS ANGELES– September 15, 2020 –HBO Max, the direct-to-consumer offering from WarnerMedia, has ordered the period comedy Our Flag Means Death to series. Oscar® winner and multi-Emmy® Award nominee Taika Waititi (What We Do In The Shadows, Jojo Rabbit) will executive produce the series and direct the pilot. Series creator and showrunner David Jenkins (People of Earth) executive produces with Emmy® nominated producer Garrett Basch (The Night Of, What We Do in the Shadows)
and Dan Halsted.
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.
“A series concept like this jumps off the page and you can instantly envision every moment,” says Sarah Aubrey, head of original content, HBO MAX. “David and Taika’s unique take on Bonnet’s rollicking misadventures on the high seas, are sure to thrill and delight audiences everywhere.”
Plans are for the first episode to be shot after Waititi finishes production on THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER.
Waititi first broke onto the scene after directing Thor: Ragnarok, which reinvigorated the God of Thunder's film franchise. Waititi's other films include What We Do In The Shadows — which was adapted into a television series for FX — and Jojo Rabbit, which won Waititi the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.