Fans of TRANSFORMERS, historical fiction, expensive things, boats, executive producers, prequels, islands, adaptations, action and debauchery rejoice: big time Hollywood guy Michael Bay is supervising a new pirate TV show for the Starz network. Chris Albrecht, Starz CEO, has announced an eight episode first season of BLACK SAILS, a prequel of sorts to ‘Treasure Island’ . Starz, which brought you the wonderful low-key PARTY DOWN and the bombastic and far more successful SPARTACUS is hoping to capitalise on the blood and guts fun of the latter by swapping Romans for pirates, and Spartacus (the guy) for Long John Silver.
The story centres on Captain Flint, a vicious pirate, who takes on a new crew member by the name of John Silver (who is, apparently, not yet long). Of course, in today’s pirate media climate, at least one of the two will almost certainly undercut his fearsomeness with constant wisecracking and Johnny Depp impressions. Casting directors of LA are currently wracking their brains trying to think of a better way to say “make it more like Jack Sparrow”.
For those of you saying “oh no, not Michael Bay, he (one of three general criticisms of Michael Bay”, don’t worry too much, as he will not be running the show. That honour has been given to JERICHO creator Jon Steinberg. However, with Bay’s somewhat more famous name being plastered over any article on the subject (including this one), there is a certain tone expected in BLACK SAILS. With Starz’ HBO-like freedom regarding swears, violence and nudity, anything goes for these pirates, just like the seven seas themselves. Let’s just hope Bay was quick to add an explosives expert (preferably a wisecracking one) to the pirate gang.
Source: Starz
