Our Flag Means Death

**Our Flag Means Death** is a 2022 period romantic comedy created by David Jenkins for HBO Max (rebranded as Max as of May 23, 2023). The series is set in 1717 during the Golden Age of Piracy and is loosely based off the life of the pirate Stede Bonnet and his encounter with infamous pirate captain Blackbeard.

Season 1 was released from March 3, 2022 to March 24, 2022 on HBO Max. Season 2 was released from October 5, 2023 to October 26, 2023 on Max.

## Synopsis

*Our Flag Means Death* loosely follows the tale of Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby) — an aristocrat who abandons his life of privilege to become a pirate. His life changes when he meets history's most feared and revered pirate, Blackbeard (Taika Waititi).

## Cast and Characters

### Main

* Rhys Darby as Stede Bonnet, also known as the Gentleman Pirate, a former Barbadian aristocrat who left his family to become a pirate aboard his ship the Revenge after growing tired of his monotonous life and unhappy marriage. He is averse to violence and does not have a natural aptitude for piracy, often struggling to earn the respect of his crew.
* Taika Waititi as Edward Teach/Blackbeard, the infamous and legendary pirate captain who has become bored with his life due to his reputation making it too easy to win battles. After hearing about the Gentleman Pirate, he becomes fascinated and decides to seek Bonnet out.
* Kristian Nairn as Wee John Feeney, a member of Bonnet's crew on the Revenge who is a pyromaniac.
* Nathan Foad as Lucius Spriggs, Bonnet's scribe aboard the Revenge. He often serves as a source of emotional support to both Bonnet and Teach.
* Samson Kayo as Oluwande Boodhari, a member of Bonnet's crew on the Revenge who often attempts to help Stede when he is in trouble. He is close friends with Jim, who he knew prior to becoming a crew member.
* Rory Kinnear as Captain Nigel Badminton (season 1), one of Bonnet's former childhood bullies who has become a British naval captain. Kinnear also plays Nigel's twin brother, Chauncey.
* Con O'Neill as Israel "Izzy" Hands, Blackbeard's irritable first mate who dislikes Bonnet due to the latter's unorthodox and eccentric approach to piracy.
* Vico Ortiz as Jim Jimenez, a member of Bonnet's crew who is a skilled fighter and who disguises themself as a mute man aboard the Revenge to escape the wrath of Spanish Jackie, who has put a bounty on their head for killing one of her husbands. They are close friends with Oluwande.
* Ewen Bremner as Nathaniel Buttons, Bonnet's eccentric first mate who is prone to violence, but who he also often looks to for advice about piracy. His best friend is Karl the Seagull.
* David Fane as Fang, a member of Blackbeard's crew who joins him aboard the Revenge.
* Joel Fry as Frenchie, a member of Bonnet's crew who often plays the lute and sings.
* Guz Khan as Ivan (season 1), a member of Blackbeard's crew who joins him aboard the Revenge.
* Matthew Maher as Black Pete, a member of Bonnet's crew who initially desires to mutiny and claims to have once been a crew member of Blackbeard.
* Samba Schutte as Roach (season 2; recurring season 1), the chef aboard the Revenge who also serves as the ship's doctor.
* Madeleine Sami as Archie (season 2), a new member of Blackbeard's crew who becomes close with Jim.

### Supporting

* Nat Faxon as The Swede
* Leslie Jones as Spanish Jackie
* Fred Armisen as Geraldo
* Claudia O'Doherty as Mary Bonnet
* Boris McGiver as Father Bonnet
* Gary Farmer as Chief Mabo (season 1)
* Kristen Schaal as Antoinette (season 1)
* Nick Kroll as Gabriel (season 1)
* Tim Heidecker as Doug
* Kristen Johnston as The Widow Evelyn Higgins
* Yvonne Zima as Fleur de Maguis (season 1)
* Will Arnett as Calico Jack (season 1)
* Angus Sampson as King George
* Eden Grace Redfield as Alma Bonnet
* William Barber-Holler as Louis Bonnet
* Michael Patrick Crane as Officer Wellington
* Connor Barrett as Officer Hornberry
* Benton Jennings as the Anglican Priest
* Damien Gerard as Father Teach
* Simone Kessell as Mother Teach
* Selenis Leyva as "Nana"/The Nun
* Brian Gattas as Siegfried (season 1)
* Ruibo Qian as Susan/Zheng Yi Sao (season 2)
* Erroll Shand as Richard "Ricky" Banes (season 2)
* Anapela Polataivao as Auntie (season 2)
* Minnie Driver as Anne Bonny (season 2)
* Rachel House as Mary Read (season 2)

### Season 1

Season 1 consists of 10 episodes, which aired weekly on Thursdays from March 3, 2022 to March 24, 2022 on HBO Max.

* Episode 1 - "Pilot"
* Episode 2 - "A Damned Man"
* Episode 3 - "A Gentleman Pirate"
* Episode 4 - "Discomfort in a Married State"
* Episode 5 - "The Best Revenge is Dressing Well"
* Episode 6 - "The Art of Fuckery"
* Episode 7 - "This Is Happening"
* Episode 8 - "We Gull Way Back"
* Episode 9 - "Act of Grace"
* Episode 10 - "Wherever You Go, There You Are"

### Season 2

Season 2 consists of 8 episodes, which aired weekly on Thursdays from October 5, 2023 to October 26, 2023 on Max.

* Episode 1 - "Impossible Birds"
* Episode 2 - "Red Flags"
* Episode 3 - "The Innkeeper"
* Episode 4 - "Fun and Games"
* Episode 5 - "The Curse of the Seafaring Life"
* Episode 6 - "Calypso's Birthday"
* Episode 7 - "Man on Fire"
* Episode 8 - "Mermen"

## Gallery

### Promotional Videos

Our Flag Means Death - Official Trailer - HBO MaxOur Flag Means Death Season 2 - Official Trailer - Max

## References

Official HBO Max synopsis