What do a French prostitute, fabled buccaneer Captain Flint and Cape Town, South Africa have in common? They are all elements of Michael Bay’s new series, “Black Sails.” The eight-episode series is slated for 2014 and Starz network (which most recently popularized the historical drama “Spartacus”) has inked the deal.
This is the story before Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island.” It’s the prequel of 20 years prior to the novel which was set in the mid-18th century. There is action, adventure, debauchery, humor and emotion, none of which are new concepts to executive producer Michael Bay, whose long list of film credits include “The Rock,” “Armageddon,” “Pearl Harbor” and “The Island.” All of these Blockbuster films have the qualities that “Black Sails” will need – big sets, explosions, six pounders (cannons), wenches, fortune tellers, gypsies, knaves and a bunch of scallywags loaded to the gunwalls (drunkards).
The French Prostitute
Every good pirate drama needs a hot young wench and a promiscuous strumpet (that’s pirate for prostitute). Enter stage left, Jessica Parker Kennedy. The Canadian actress co-stared in “The Secret Circle” and has just joined the cast of the CW’s teenage drama “90210.” Her resume includes appearances on “Smallville” and “Brothers & Sisters.” Deadline.com reports Kennedy’s character name is Max, a French prostitute with beauty and swagger.
Captain Flint
The adventures of Captain Flint will be highlighted in “Black Sails” as the buccaneer leads a crew of pirates to New Providence Island, where thieves and scoundrels will try to stop them from carrying on with their journey to find treasures. The classic novel refers to a hated, blood-thristy Captain Flint, but he never actually appears in the book.
British actor, Toby Stephens will take the helm as Captain Flint. This marks Stephens debut major-American role, although he has been acting for over 20 years. He has a lot of classical acting experience as he’s played numerous Shakespeare roles like Othello, Duke Orsino in “Twelfth Night” and Demetrius in “Midsummer Night’s Dream.” He played Gustav Graves in “Die Another Day” and most recently starred in the BBC dramedy, “Vexed.”
Cape Town, South Africa
According to deadline.com, pre-production has begun and Cape Town, South Africa is the filming destination for “Black Sails.” Seems appropriate enough for such a grand tale of sailing the rough seas. And there is lots of sea in South Africa. You will find the director, Neil Marshall, at Cape Town Studios preparing for this epic journey. Most recently, Marshall directed an episode of “Game of Thrones” and was writer/director for 2005’s “The Descent” and 2008’s “Doomsday.”
The show was created by Jon Steinberg (“Jericho”) and Platinum Dunes is in charge of production. Director Bay, Brad Fuller and Andrew Form (Platinum Dunes) will be joined by Robert Levine (“Touch”) as executive producers. According to Hollywood Reporter, it is Bay’s maiden voyage into the world of television series, although he is executive producer of a pilot that will air on TNT, “The Last Ship.”
You can expect ships, parrots, treasure maps and gold hunts. Pillages, piracy, plunder and plank walking. Mutiny, grog, a good chase and a whole lotta “Arrr!”
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