Tom Hardy is starring in a new TV series that will debut on FX, Saturday, Jan. 7. "Taboo" is a period drama set in the early 1800s that focuses on James Keziah Delaney (Hardy) as a man long believed to have died. It will also delve on the East India Company that has ignited controversy among historians.
In "Taboo," James Keziah Delaney returns to claim his place at his father's shipping business and start his life anew, yet he finds that things are not the same in his place of birth. Instead, he plots revenge on his family's enemies, while also evading threats to his life.
"Taboo" revolves around conspiracies and betrayal in the family's dark history that suggests the involvement of the East India Company. The actor also nonchalantly strips naked in the latest teaser released by the production, which can be watched below.
According to Telegraph, scriptwriter Steven Knight has written the East India Company in "Taboo" as akin to "the CIA, the NSA, and the biggest, baddest multinational corporation on earth." But historians are apparently not pleased about the portrayal as the East India Company has generally contributed to positive reforms in the British monarchy and trade relations with Europe and Asia. They belied the suggestion that the company could be behind any conspiracies, even if it's only a dramatization on television.
Metro cites that "Taboo" might as well be the first must-watch series of 2017 as aside from its lead star, the show also has a pedigreed cast. Joining Tom Hardy on the show are "Game of Thrones" actors Oona Chaplin and Jonathan Pryce. "House of Cards" Michael Kelly is also in the series, as well as David Hayman. Award-winning director Ridley Scott serves as the show's producer.
"Taboo" is created by Steven Knight, Tom Hardy and his father Chips. FX serves as the distributor in the United States while the show will air on BBC One in the U.K. on the same premiere night as well. Viewers can expect eight episodes in total for "Taboo's" first season offering.
