Taika Waititi, Rhys Darby in new historical comedy series Our Flag Means Death

Comedian and actor Rhys Darby is playing pirates alongside ‘old friend’ Taika Waititi in Binge’s new comedy series Our Flag Means Death.

Comedian, actor and children’s book author Rhys Darby has set sail for a new adventure in 2022; the role of an 18th century would-be pirate, in Binge’s brand new comedy series Our Flag Means Death.

Starring in the role of Stede Bonnet, gentlemen turned swashbuckling buccaneer and captain of the pirate ship Revenge, the New Zealand born Darby has harnessed his inner child to tell the fascinating and allegedly ‘true’ story.

“It’s an insane story and there's so many holes in the story. That’s why when you make a show like this and do it for comedy, you can fill those holes with whatever you like,” said the comedian.

Actor Rhys Darby, star of brand new pirate comedy series Our Flag Means Death, aboard The Southern Swan. Picture: Justin Lloyd

The high-energy entertainer was pleased to be able to feature in the series alongside his ‘old friend’ and executive producer of the series, Academy Award winning Taika Waititi.

“Having him (Waititi) there was definitely very important to me. Knowing I was going to have him on set with me from episode three onwards gave me a lot of strength. We’ve kind of been taking on the world together,” said Darby.

The Flight of the Conchords star revealed that working on set, alongside Waititi in particular, allowed for some magical impromptu moments that will feature throughout the series.

“The fun of making a show like this is finding those moments because they’re real. And so when you go off script, and you do something that’s not supposed to happen, and it’s hilarious, if you can hold it all cracked up, then you know, you’ve got a magic moment.”

Darby also revealed that his 12-year-old son Theo will feature in the series.

“I can’t say no to him watching this show, because he is actually in the show,” said the father of two.

Darby plays Stede Bonnet, a gentlemen turned swashbuckling buccaneer and captain of the pirate ship Revenge.

The plot sees Darby’s character working hard to earn the respect of his riotous crew on the high seas, a plot line that Darby believes in some way parallels his experience of working on set with the Our Flag Means Death crew.

When asked how he is able to maintain such high energy both on and off set, Darby had a simple answer.

“I never want to let go of my inner child. And that’s what keeps me going. I like to have a lot of fun”, said the actor.

To celebrate the premiere of the series, Darby set sail on board the 100 year old ship The Southern Star in Sydney Harbour.

Our Flag Means Death premieres 3 March on Binge with a triple episode.