John Malkovich Set to Star in NBC's Pirate Drama 'Crossbones'

John Malkovich has been roped in to star in NBC’s pirate themed drama series “Crossbones”, playing the famous pirate captain Blackbeard himself.

“Crossbones”, penned by Neil Cross, takes place on the island of New Providence in the Bahamas, a breeding grounds for piracy, theft, miscreants, and outlaws alike. The island is reigned by the fearsome pirate captain Edward Teach, aka Blackbeard (John Malkovich).

But a mutiny has been plotted to overthrow Blackboard, and steal back the thrown throne. An assassin, Tom Lowe, is hired and sent to execute the pirate king. However, as Lowe gets closer and closer towards Blackbeard, he begins admiring his ideas and what he’s done for the rogue society.

Hugh Laurie (of “House” fame) was originally interested in the role, but ultimately turned it down. It’s a shame, since I’d love to have Hugh Laurie back on my TV. But, in his place we’ve earned a screen legend.

John Malkovich, the Oscar-nominated actor, is perhaps best known for his roles in “Red”, “RED 2”, “Being John Malkovich”, “Con Air”, “Burn After Reading”, “Dangerous Liaisons”, and more recently “Warm Bodies”.

While it’s rare for Malkovich to make a transition off of the big screen, he has appeared in a few TV mini-series, and even ventured onto Broadway, opposite of Dustin Hoffman.

Neil Cross, the man behind the scripts, is also the creator/writer of “Luther”, and has contributed to “Doctor Who”, and wrote the screenplay for Mushietti’s “Mama”.

The series, set in 1715, will span 10 episodes and likely air in NBC’s next pilot season. Keep your eyes peeled for this pirate adventure!