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Did you hate the ending of "Game of Thrones?" You're not alone! Most fans, including myself, think that final season — and its series finale, "The Iron Throne" — was dreadful, rushed garbage, even if there are some defenders amongst my lovely colleagues here at /Film. Apparently, "the show's finale-haters can include Natalia Tena in our club.

Tena, who played the wildling Osha on the series until her character was violently killed off in the show's sixth season, told Kate Thornton on her podcast, "White Wine Question Time," in 2019 that she lost her patience with "Game of Thrones" partway through its final season and basically just flew into a rage after that. As Tena told Thornton, she was pretty much on board with the whole thing up until the episode where Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) saves humankind by slaying the Night King (Vladimir Furdyk), the event that marks the halfway point of that final season.

The other month, A Song of Ice and Fire author George R.R. Martin sat down with fellow fantasy author Joe Abercrombie to talk about Abercombie's latest book The Devils. YouTuber Becca Monet was good enough to post much of the discussion on YouTube; it's worth a watch if you want to hear two masters of the craft talk shop:

Martin and Abercrombie talked about a wide range of topics, including the popular romantasy genre, how to write battle scenes, and how modern fantasy got to where it is. Martin has been in this game for a long time, so I liked hearing his insights about its transformation over the years. He noticed the fantasy expanding around the time authors started injecting their own ideas rather than remixing that J.R.R. Tolkien did with The Lord of the Rings; Martin names The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams and The Chronicles of Thomas...

Kristian Nairn held the door, and well, turns out, he also held a grudge. While Hodor’s tragic end in Game of Thrones literally left us bawling into our direwolf plushies, the actor behind the gentle giant had some rather savage thoughts about the role that made him famous. Like, forget fan theories or Bran’s time-travel crimes, Nairn has apparently dropped truth bombs harder than a wildfire explosion in King’s Landing.

Yep, this magnetic star has called out his character’s journey, giving it a label, which is not a fairytale. Think more like a loyal servant, tragic backstory, and zero gratitude. Oh, and they killed him on his birthday. Grab your tissues, and maybe your therapy dragon, because this is going to hurt in seven kingdoms and beyond.

Game of Thrones Kristian Nairn’s Hodor was killed on his birthday Kristian Nairn in Game of Thrones (Credits- HBO)

https://fandomwire.

Although "Game of Thrones" was famous for killing off major characters, at least the actors in the early seasons had the comfort of knowing exactly when and where their characters would die. Sean Bean knew he had a one-season gig ahead of him, for instance, just like Pedro Pascal did in season 4. But as the seasons went past the source material, that sense of job security dropped for most of its actors. From season 6 onward, pretty much anyone could be written off the show at any moment. 

The first death to make this clear was poor Hodor in season 6's "The Door." After loyally assisting Bran and Meera on their journey across the Wall, Hodor has to stay back to hold a door closed while the others escape an army of wights. Hodor succeeds in saving Bran and Meera, but he's torn apart by the wights in the process. That sounds dark,...

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While Max (formerly known as HBO Max) is in no way the success story that Netflix is, and even if it doesn’t have the vast library that Netflix has, you can’t deny the sheer quality of shows that Max has. With some of the greatest stories ever told in the world of television, Max completely justifies its premium subscription price. So, today, we are listing the best shows you can check out on Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming service.

Chernobyl Credit – HBO

Chernobyl is a historical tragedy drama miniseries created by Craig Mazin. Based on the Chernobyl disaster, the HBO series is set in 1986, and it revolves around cleanup efforts that took place around the Chernobyl disaster. Chernobyl stars Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgard, Paul Ritter, Jessie Buckley, Adam Nagaitis, Con O’Neill, Adrian Rawlins, Sam Troughton, Robert Emms,...

The Harry Potter reboot has entered into the casting stage, where producers and casting directors battle it out to see who will take on these prestigious roles. While the HBO streaming series will be bringing a range of unknown actors into the ensemble to flesh out key roles like Harry, Hermione and Ron, the show will also pay homage to the original Harry Potter movies by ensuring that veteran performers are there to support them. Casting rumors have been running amok as of late, with a range of known names potentially given contracts for the show. However, fans have also been voicing their own perfect picks, with everyone from Kristian Nairn to Helen Mirren and Adam Driver getting chosen. Confirmed castings are thin on the ground, though, with only a couple of suggestions seemingly carrying weight.

Dumbledore is one of the most important characters on the show and must be chosen with great care.

House of the Dragon star Emma D'Arcy confirms the one thing their character cannot do without in Season 3.

During an appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast (per Screen Rant), D'Arcy opened up about the petition she put in with the series' showrunner and co-creator, Ryan Condal. "The petition I've put in is I want a weapon," D'Arcy explained. "Like it's getting ridiculous. I don't even mind if it’s like a little dagger, a short sword. I don't really care."

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Related 10 Rulers Who Held the Iron Throne the Longest in Game of Thrones

Games of Thrones fans have witnessed numerous rulers sit atop the Iron Throne, but some held the coveted spot much longer than others.

" All the men in the show don’t have to worry about where they put their hands because they’re constantly holding the pommel of their sword," D'Arcy added. "That obviously sounds...

Comparisons between Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon are quite inevitable, and even actor Kristian Nairn thinks there are a lot of similarities between the two popular television franchises even though they are set in different times.

Credits: Kristian Nairn in Game of Thrones / HBO

Nairn, who played the gentle giant Hodor in the original series, has become a notable star due to fans’ affection for his role. He only appeared in 23 episodes before his tragic death closed his chapter, but he remained an unforgettable character.

Hodor Star Kristian Nairn Weighs in House of the Dragon Seasons 1 and 2

Many fans had the same response to Season 2 of House of the Dragon, and with the success of and anticipation established by the first season, it was quite disappointing to witness the anticlimactic season finale.

Related “I believe I have more influence now”: George R.R. Martin’s Claims of...

House of the Dragon stars Matt Smith, Tom Glynn-Carney, and Fabien Frankel have shared an update about the upcoming third season of HBOs hit Game of Thrones spinoff. In the series, Smith portrays the role of Daemon Targaryen, while Glynn-Carney and Frankel portray his enemies Aegon II Targaryen and Criston Cole, respectively.

Smith, Glynn-Carney, and Frankel attended the recently held House of the Dragon panel at the 2024 New York Comic-Con, where they were asked about their thoughts on the next installments script. Per Variety, Smith and Glynn-Carney both admitted that they still have no clue about what will happen in Season 3, since the creative team hasnt let them read the scripts yet. "Not a jot, not a letter," Glynn-Carney said. "The longer they take, the longer we dont have to read anything for a while." Smith added, "Ive not heard hide nor hair. I dont know about you guys. Ive...

Hannah Murray has made memorable appearances in many movies and TV shows over the years, including Skins, Detroit and Charlie Says. But Game of Thrones fans will know her best as Gilly, a timid girl born into harsh conditions beyond the Wall who grew in strength, smarts and poise as the show went on.

Now, Hutchinson Heinemann has won the rights to publish Murray's new memoir The Make-Believe after a 13-way auction. Why were the rights to this book so contested? Well, apart from the fact that Murray will get to tell tales from behind the scenes of Game of Thrones — she appeared in seven out of eight seasons, so she probably has lots of interesting stories to share — it sounds like the book will dive into some intense aspects of Murray's life I don't think the general public is aware of. For instance, The Bookseller says that Murray...

Recently, Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn (Hodor) released an autobiography called Beyond the Throne: Epic Journeys, Enduring Friendships, and Surprising Tales, which you can check out here. He includes lots of thoughts about Game of Thrones in there, but also plenty about his personal life, including when he kicked a drug habit by playing World of Warcraft.

It started when Nairn fell for someone who had a pretty bad habit which he soon picked up; a working DJ, Nairn was using amphetamines and cocaine to endure all-night sets, ecstasy at the club, and codeine to come down from other drugs, in addition to drinking plenty of alcohol. “I’m snorting so much coke that when I lift my head off the pillow, usually past midday, it’s still encrusted into the cotton like cardboard,” he wrote in his book.

Realizing the drug use was having a detrimental effect on his life,...

House of the Dragon made a name for itself by being a worthy successor to Game of Thrones. It accomplished this by more than embodying the political intrigue and scale of the world of Westeros. Perhaps it even does a better job of showcasing this world than its parent show did. Part of the show's attraction is that it does not shy away from the more raw emotional moments. The times in which the main characters are brought to their personal lows and deal with the fallout of loss.

There are numerous sad moments throughout the series. Some are born of the loss of characters, others are the result of relationships falling apart, or the meta-knowledge that so much bloodshed and suffering could have been avoided if just one thing had gone differently. For better or worse though, House of the Dragon is set up to be a show where there is no happy ending.

Kristian Nairn, who played gentle giant Hodor on Game of Thrones, is currently on the press trail hyping his new memoir Beyond the Throne: Epic Journeys, Enduring Friendships, and Surprising Tales, available now. He has lots of memories about the show, which he thinks got a bad rap in the final season, which was famously divisive among fans.

"It's not perfect, no," Nairn told Screen Rant about the show's controversial ending, which involved Daenerys Targaryen burning down the city of King's Landing before getting killed herself by Jon Snow. "But also keep in mind I'm not a scriptwriter, neither are 99.99% of people. There are some who think they are, but I do know I'm not, so I have that. So [the response] disappointed me really. I don't feel responsible for it obviously, because I was long since dead. But it disappointed me because the show had been held in such high regard,...

George R.R. Martin is the author of the Song of Ice and Fire series, which HBO adapted as Game of Thrones, one of the most successful shows of the past decade. Martin's fame has risen right along with it. And HBO is still reaping the benefits of its partnership with Martin; the Game of Thrones prequel series House of the Dragon is based on his book Fire & Blood, and has been a big ratings winner for the network.

That's why it was so shocking when, earlier this month, Martin harshly and openly criticized House of the Dragon for deviating from his source material. Is the author behind HBO's biggest hits in a feud with the people adapting his work?

Since that first blowup, Martin has been fairly quiet on the subject, aside from the occasional reference here and there. He seems to reference it again in a new blog post...

Game of Thrones actor Sophie Turner would love to reprise her role as Sansa Stark, given certain conditions. The acclaimed HBO series ran for eight seasons, ending five years ago with Sansa crowned Queen of North.

In an interview with Variety to promote her upcoming series Joan, Turner discussed the possibility of returning to the Game of Thrones universe. Asked if she would ever play Sansa again, the actor responded, "Maybe." Turner explained the conditions for her return. "Maybe. I mean, it would have to be the exact same cast and the exact same crew otherwise, I wouldn't go back, and that would just be Season 9." She does not believe a ninth season will happen but would be curious to explore what had become of her character.

Related I Think Theyre Doing That Well - Game of Thrones Kristian Nairn on House of the Dragon & His New Memoir

In an interview with Cbr,...

Even to this day, Hodor remains one of the warmest and most beloved characters in the epic fantasy series Game of Thrones. Hodor was a gentle and powerful figure who watched over Bran Stark, traveling with him after their home of Winterfell was sacked. Played by Northern Irish actor Kristian Nairn, Nairn reflects on his life and career, including his star-making turn on Game of Thrones, in his memoir Beyond the Throne: Epic Journeys, Enduring Friendships, and Surprising Tales. More than just offering behind-the-scenes stories about Game of Thrones, the memoir delves into Nairns upbringing, embracing his queer identity and delves into his musical career as a successful globe-trotting D.J., occasionally under the stage name Revlon.

In an exclusive interview with Cbr, actor and author Kristian Nairn shares the inspiration behind sharing his life in the new memoir, reflects on his time with Game of Thrones, the resurgence of...

House of the Dragon has famously managed to maintain the legacy that its parent series, Game of Thrones, created over the course of eight seasons. When the show was first announced, audiences were skeptical. However, the first season managed to prove the need for the show’s existence, giving a window into a family that was at the center of the parent series but never seen to its full capabilities.

Rhaenyra with Syrax, Ulf with Silverwing, and Hugh with Vermithor | Credit: Max

The second season, however, has failed to meet the standards set by the first in the eyes of many fans. It would seem that they aren’t the only ones who feel this way, as recently, an actor from the original series spoke along similar lines.

Recently, Kristian Nairn, who played the role of Hodor, confessed that he wasn’t very impressed with the second season of the series.

Game of Thrones wrapped up around five years ago, but HBO has kept the torch burning with spinoff shows like House of the Dragon, set over a century before the events of the original series. The first season went over very well with fans, who loved meeting a new set of power players in an age when dragons were still everywhere in Westeros. The second season was received less enthusiastically, although it still went over more or less well, especially episodes like "The Red Dragon and the Gold," which featured the best dragon-vs-dragon battle we've ever seen onscreen.

And it's not just us feeling like this. Game of Thrones alum Kristian Nairn, who played the gentle giant Hodor for five seasons, also noted a difference between the first and second seasons of House of the Dragon, although he was quick to confirm that he's not hating on the prequel series.

Kristian Nairn is a DJ who's toured the world as well as an actor on shows like Our Flag Means Death, but he'll probably always be best known for appearing on Game of Thrones as Hodor, a towering man of few words who carted around Bran Stark on his back after the young boy lost the use of his legs.

Nairn is aware of how much he's associated with Hodor, but sometimes he'll try to downplay it. “You’ll never hear me play a remix with a Hodor reference,” the actor recently told Us Weekly. “I’m not blind to it all. Maybe I should have done that. Maybe I’d be playing for a few hundred thousand people. But I don’t feel that my soul would have allowed me to do it because I’ve been a musician all my life. That was the part that felt a bit cheesy to me.

The final season of Game of Thrones was greatly controversial, as the hit series ended in a way that was heavily criticized by fans. Looking back at the polarizing ending of the show five years later, series star Kristian Nairn feels that the backlash was unwarranted, as he was, for the most part, satisfied with how the final season panned out.

Nairn, known for his role as Hodor in the series, addressed the final season of Game of Thrones in a new interview with Screen Rant. He admitted that he felt "disappointed" by the fans criticizing the finale, particularly with the complaints about the dark turn takenw ith the Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) character leading up to the end. Nairn says that the warning signs had always been there for years, so he wasn't as surprised as many fans were when that was the direction taken with Daenerys. With that said,...

Five years after its release, the eighth and final season of Game of Thrones is still polarizing the fan base, but another Og star has weighed in to defend the controversial finale. Kristian Nairn played Hodor in HBO's acclaimed series, based on the novels by George R.R. Martin. He played the character from the very first episode, being the trusty servant of House Stark and Bran, a.k.a. "The Three Eyed Raven." The character didn't survive long enough to appear in the final season, allowing Nairn to watch the show's finale like a regular viewer, but he still stands by the show's controversial ending.

Speaking to Screen Rant, Kristian Nairn reflected on the show's finale and revealed his supportive take on its ending. While the overwhelming majority of the fan base turned on Game of Thrones for making Daenerys a villain in the final episodes, Nairn saw it coming from a mile away,...

Game of Thrones was famous for its death scenes, and few death scenes hit quite like Hodor's, which came in the season 6 episode "The Door." The gentle giant played by Kristian Nairn was the mascot of the show; he only knew one word, but it was enough. Everyone loved him, and he died pushing back on a roomful of zombies so that his friends Bran Stark and Meera Reed could escape with their lives. And this scene played out over a flashback where we learned that Bran, in a roundabout way, was responsible for Hodor's mental handicap in the first place. It was tragic, moving stuff.

Nairn writes all about it in his memoir Beyond the Throne: Epic Journeys, Enduring Friendships, and Surprising Tales, available to buy now. Wired has a full excerpt all about this particular scene, starting with Nairn's pangs of emotion as he talks to Isaac Hempstead-Wright,...

Hodor actor Kristian Nairn has defended the ending of Game of Thrones five years after it aired, explaining why he enjoyed the final episodes of the show. The ending of Game of Thrones became one of the most polarizing events in TV history, with many unhappy due to major character changes, such as Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) becoming a tyrant and burning down King's Landing. While the series finale didn't dissuade the franchise from expanding with the ongoing House of the Dragon, it made the original series less beloved for many due to its controversial choices.

Speaking with Screen Rant, Nairn revealed he enjoyed the final season of Game of Thrones, and was disappointed by the overall reception it had received. The actor explained how he believed the seeds of Daenerys burning King's Landing had been planted throughout the show, justifying her character turn once it happened. However, he did...

Games of Thrones' Hodor actor Kristian Nairn has honestly reviewed House of the Dragon, explaining his opinion on seasons 1 and 2 of the prequel series. House of the Dragon season 2 reviews have continued a positive streak for the series, citing the prequel as an engaging story in the world of Westeros. However, the reception hasnt been as exciting as season 1, with some expressing dissatisfaction with both seasons continuing to tease a Targaryen civil war that has yet to evolve beyond the battle at Rooks Rest.

Speaking with Screen Rant, Nairn explained how he believed House of the Dragon season 1 was incredibly strong, saying it was on par with seasons of the original series. However, he found season 2 to be a step down due to it having a different atmosphere about it. However, he still enjoyed season 2, especially its use of dragons, and expressed pride in actors like Tom Glynn-Carney, who portrays Aegon Targaryen,...

With just a single word, actor Kristian Nairn brought to life someone who'd become one of the most beloved characters on one of the biggest TV shows of all time: Hodor in Game of Thrones. The lovable, monosyllabic servant of House Stark was a large presence across seasons 1-4 and season 6 of the HBO show (he was absent from season 5), before meeting his end in one of its most shocking and devastating death scenes, and Nairn was a key part of Game of Thrones' cast through that time.

Now that Hodor no longer needs to be holding the door, and five years removed from Game of Thrones' ending, Nairn has written a book to talk about his experiences on the series - and so much more. In Beyond the Throne: Epic Journeys, Enduring Friendships and Surprising Tales, the actor recounts growing up in Northern Ireland, with all the trials, tribulations,...

Imagine turning up to set one day to shoot an intense scene on Game of Thrones, and a giant prosthetic penis is waiting for you in the makeup trailer. That's what happened to actor Kristian Nairn, who played Hodor in the hit HBO series. As a result of the giant's blood in his DNA, Hodor stands at a staggering 6'10", and towers over every other human character in Westeros. Only able to speak the word "Hodor," which is how he earned his name, audiences learn very little about the character until the later seasons of Game of Thrones apart from in one scene, where we learn a little too much about him.

In his new book, Beyond the Throne, Kristian Nairn reflects on his time working on Game of Thrones. In an excerpt released by Vanity Fair, the actor recalled a very revealing scene, and the prosthetics required to make it happen.

The eighth and final season of Game of Thrones aired back in 2019, and a lot of fans were very unhappy. The show ended with Daenerys Targaryen burning the city of King's Landing, Bran Stark becoming the new ruler of the Seven Kingdoms and Jon Snow getting banished beyond the Wall. Did fans not like this sequence of events? Was it the execution? Either way, the backlash was ferocious. Nearly two million people signed a petition to remake the season, criticisms flew fast and furious online...it was nuts.

Was the ending really that bad? It depends on who you ask — I've long since settled my thoughts on the story — but discussion about it continues even now. Take Kristian Nairn, the actor who played Bran's hulking bodyguard Hodor. He's putting out a book on September 24 called Beyond the Throne: Epic Journeys, Enduring Friendships, and Surprising Tales, available for pre-order now.

John Hamm might have just received two Emmy nominations for his work on The Morning Show, and Fargo, but the 53-year-old actor is turning to the world of podcasting for his next venture. Hamm first became a star in the eyes of many thanks to his portrayal of Don Draper on the AMC series Mad Men, which led to him having a successful career in both film and TV, with one of his latest appearances being in the blockbuster hit Top Gun: Maverick. Now, Hamm is venturing into the fantasy genre, so to speak, with his next project focusing on the massively popular Ttrpg, Dungeons & Dragons.

Per Deadline, Hamm will executive produce and star in Dungeon Masters, a scripted, true-crime podcast series that will explore the world of Dungeons & Dragons through the lens of a private investigator in 1979. Also starring Star Trek alum Wil Wheaton as Dungeons & Dragons creator Gary Gygax,...

Exclusive: Jon Hamm, fresh off his two Emmy nominations, has been set to star in and exec-produce scripted podcast series Dungeon Masters, which heralds from QCode and Smile and Twilight producer Temple Hill.

Created, written and directed by journalist and author David Kushner, the series is based on his research and writing about hit game Dungeons & Dragons, inspired by the real-life missing person case which inadvertently made the game (in)famous.

Set in 1979, the series gives listeners a behind-the-curtain look into the world of Dungeons & Dragons, told through the lenses of private investigator William Dear (Hamm), a swashbuckling style tough guy and creator of the game Gary Gygax (Wil Wheaton). The series follows Dear on his quest to find Dallas Egbert, a Michigan State student, who supposedly disappeared in the steam tunnels under his University while enacting a real-life version of D&d.

Multiple QCode podcasts have been...

Plenty of hilarious comedy shows don't get enough time. Famous comedians and exciting premises can't always save their shows from cancelation. Even when a show is canceled and revived years later, the damage is already done.

There's nothing more frustrating than when a great TV show is canceled too soon, and plenty of great comedies have been cut short in recent years. Comedy shows often need more time than drama shows to find their audience, but this tests the patience of networks and streaming platforms. Unfortunately, if a comedy show doesn't hit the ground running, it's always at risk of cancelation.

These days, TV cancelations seem to be happening more frequently, and more unpredictably, than ever before. The streaming era has meant that there are more shows competing for people's attention. Shows which don't instantly rise to this competition can be canceled, even if they have dedicated cult followings. There...

The following contains mentions of rape.

For its first seven seasons, Game of Thrones had a double legacy: It was simultaneously the Emmy-award winning intricate dark fantasy that encapsulated the duality of humanity, and the series with dragons, incest and nudity. Everything that made HBO the prestige network was thrown into Game of Thrones, an adaptation of George R. R. Martin's currently ongoing and unfinished book series A Song of Ice and Fire that was developed by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss. The modern Golden Age of Television wasn't complete without Game of Thrones' story of whimsical politics and messianic prophecies. Then, the series finale, "The Iron Throne," gave Game of Thrones another legacy: the series that fumbled its greatest potential.

During its eight-season run, it was hard not to hear about Game of Thrones, whether it was from friends, co-workers or the Internet. For example, Jon Snow's...

Our Flag Means Death has officially “reached the end of the road,” Series creator David Jenkins has revealed on Instagram that the period comedy has failed to find a new home following its cancellation on Max in January after two seasons.

“I can officially confirm that we’ve reached the end of the road,” Jenkins wrote. “At least as far as this sweet show is concerned. After many complimentary meetings, conversations, etc it seems there is no alternate home for our crew. Thank you to all of you who sent us out with tremendous love and care. Your campaign was noticed across the industry. But more importantly it made all of us who worked on this show better able to deal with the loss.”

Jenkins continued. “To you wonderful fans: thank you. You are lovely and earnest. Those kinds of things feel in short supply at times. But they aren’t.

Network: HBO Max

Episodes: 18 (half-hour)

Seasons: Two

TV show dates: March 3, 2022 -- October 26, 2023

Series status: Cancelled

Performers include: Rhys Darby, Taika Waititi, Nathan Foad, Samson Kayo, Vico Ortiz, Ewen Bremner, Joel Fry, Matt Maher, Kristian Nairn, Con O'Neill, Guz Khan, David Fane, Rory Kinnear, Samba Schutte, Nat Faxon, Fred Armisen, and Leslie Jones.

TV show description:

A period adventure-comedy series, the Our Flag Means Death TV show was created by David Jenkins.

Read More…...

A batch of AI-generated Game of Thrones images imagines what characters like Danaerys, Jon Snow, and the Night King would look like if they were emo. The show's character drama was a standout aspect of earlier seasons of the show. Characters were layered and their plotlines were deftly balanced across multiple episodes and seasons.

New Game of Thrones AI art gives the show's main characters, including the Night King, emo makeovers. Based on the book series of the same name by author George R.R. Martin, the hit HBO fantasy first premiered in 2011, introducing viewers to the dangerous world of Westeros and its lords and ladies all vying for the Iron Throne. The Game of Thrones season 8 finale brought the series to a divisive end in 2019, with audiences saying farewell to characters like Arya Stark (Maisie Williams), Jon Snow (Kit Harington), and Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner), among others.

Now, members of...

Fans campaign to save the canceled Max comedy Our Flag Means Death with a Times Square billboard. The creator, David Jenkins, expresses gratitude and hope for a third season. HBO and Max chief executive Casey Bloys cites low numbers as the reason for canceling Our Flag Means Death, but expresses support for the show finding a new home if possible. Fans of other canceled shows have purchased billboards to save them as well, making Our Flag Means Death the latest in this trend.

The canceled Max comedy Our Flag Means Death gets a Times Square billboard as fans mobilize to save the show. Debuting in March 2022 from creator David Jenkins, Our Flag Means Death is set in the early 18th century. The story focuses on the Golden Age of Piracy. In particular, it examines Stede (Rhys Darby) and his crew as they try to make a name for themselves as pirates,...

HBO Announces New “The Last of Us” Season 2 and “The White Lotus” Season 3

Two of HBO and Max’s biggest dramas have welcomed new cast members this past week.

First, the Emmy-nominated post-apocalyptic survival drama “The Last of Us” announced “Dopesick” star Kaitlyn Dever will be joining the show’s second season, based on the sequel video game in Naughty Dog’s “Last of Us” franchise. Dever will play new co-lead Abby, “a skilled soldier whose black-and-white view of the world is challenged as she seeks vengeance for those she loved.”

Emmy nominee Young Mazino (“Beef”) will also join Season 2 as Jesse, “a pillar of his community who puts everyone else’s needs before his own, sometimes at [a] terrible cost.”

Watch the trailer for the premiere season of “The Last of Us”:

Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey will return as Joel and Ellie, respectively, continuing Season 1’s storyline. The...

Our Flag Means Death is walking the plank. Max has cancelled the pirate comedy series, so there won't be a third season. Season two of Our Flag Means Death was released in October.

Starring Taika Waititi, Rhys Darby, Nathan Foad, Samson Kayo, Vico Ortiz, Ewen Bremner, Joel Fry, Matt Maher, Kristian Nairn, Con O’Neill, Guz Khan, David Fane, Rory Kinnear, Samba Schutte, Nat Faxon, Fred Armisen, and Leslie Jones, the Max comedy shows 18th-century pirate Stede Bonnet (Darby) and his romance with Blackbeard (Waititi).

Read More…...

Our Flag Means Death will not set sail again.

Max has cancelled the pirate comedy, starring Rhys Darby and executive producer Taika Waititi (as Stede Bonnet and Captain Blackbeard, respectively), after two seasons.

More from TVLineTokyo Vice Scores Season 2 Release Date on Max - Watch a New TrailerMehdi Hasan Leaves MSNBC After Cancellation of Sunday SeriesBookie Renewed for Season 2 at Max

The news comes three months after the Season 2 finale, which dropped on Oct. 26 and earned an average TVLine reader grade of “B” (read our recap here).

“While Max will not be moving forward with a third season of Our Flag Means Death,...

Max has pulled the plug on Our Flag Means Death after two seasons.

Per Deadline, it has been revealed that Our Flag Means Death has been canceled with no third season on the way. This news follows the show wrapping up its second season in October 2023, and its future had since been unclear. The show's fate has also been officially confirmed with a statement from Max, reaffirming how there won't be a third season made.

Related Our Flag Means Death Creator Breaks Down Season 2's Fabulous Drag Performance David Jenkins discusses Our Flag Means Death's party episode, including Wee John's drag look and Izzy Hands' musical performance. Close

"While Max will not be moving forward with a third season of Our Flag Means Death, we are so proud of the joyous, hilarious, and heartfelt stories that creator David Jenkins, Taika Waititi, Rhys Darby, Garrett Basch, Dan Halsted, Adam Stein,...

“Our Flag Means Death” has been canceled at Max.

The pirate comedy aired two seasons at the streamer. The series originally debuted in March 2022, with the second season launching in October 2023.

“While Max will not be moving forward with a third season of Our Flag Means Death, we are so proud of the joyous, hilarious, and heartfelt stories that creator David Jenkins, Taika Waititi, Rhys Darby, Garrett Basch, Dan Halsted, Adam Stein, Antoine Douaihy, and the entire superb cast and crew brought to life,” a Max spokesperson said in a statement. “We also thank the dedicated fans who embraced these stories and built a gorgeous, inclusive community surrounding the show.”

Rhys Darby led the series, with other cast members including Samson Kayo, Vico Ortiz, Ewen Bremner, Joel Fry, Matthew Maher, Kristian Nairn, Con O’Neill, David Fane, Samba Schutte, Nat Faxon, and Leslie Jones.

The series is said to be very...

Max is not moving forward with a third season of its period comedy series Our Flag Means Death. Deadline understands that the first two seasons will not be removed from the streaming service.

From David Jenkins, Our Flag Means Death is based (very) loosely on the true adventures of 18th-century would-be pirate Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby). After trading the seemingly charmed life of a gentleman for one of a swashbuckling buccaneer, Stede became captain of the pirate ship Revenge.

Struggling to earn the respect of his potentially mutinous crew, Stede’s fortunes changed after a fateful run-in with the infamous Captain Blackbeard (Taika Waititi). To their surprise, the wildly different Stede and Blackbeard found more than friendship on the high seas … they found love. Now, they have to survive it.

The series also stars Samson Kayo, Vico Ortiz, Ewen Bremner, Joel Fry, Matthew Maher, Kristian Nairn, Con O’Neill, David Fane,...

Actor Con O’Neill loved playing Izzy but acknowledged that the character's demise was essential to the creator's plan for the show. Izzy's death in Our Flag Means Death season 2 came as a surprise, considering the character's history of cheating death. Viewers grew to love Izzy in season 2, which led to an immediate backlash when he died, as it meant losing a beloved character.

Our Flag Means Death actor Con O’Neill reflects on his character’s shocking ending in season 2. O’Neill portrayed Izzy Hands, Blackbeard’s raspy-voiced, sly first mate on the popular pirate show. Portrayed as somewhat of a villain in season 1, Izzy became one of the most beloved pirates in Our Flag Means Death season 2.

Speaking with Comicbook.com, O’Neill comments on Izzy’s death in Our Flag Means Death season 2. The actor was overwhelmed by the love that his character received in season 2. Although O'Neill loved playing...

Izzy's drag transformation and performance in episode 6 of Our Flag Means Death was a highlight of season 2, showcasing both humor and queer representation. The behind the scenes time-lapse video shared by Con O'Neill reveals the skilled makeup work that went into Izzy's drag transformation, with special praise for makeup artist Deb Watson. Despite the impact of Izzy's character and transformation, his death in the season finale leaves a void and raises questions about Blackbeard's future.

An Our Flag Means Death season 2 behind the scenes video reveals Izzy's drag transformation. The series, created by David Jenkins, follows the life of Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby), an inexperienced pirate who falls in love with the notorious Blackbeard (Taika Waititi). Along with Darby and Waititi, the cast of Our Flag Means Death includes Ewen Bremner, Joel Fry, Samson Kayo, Vico Ortiz, Con O'Neill, and more. Season 2 premiered on Max in October, and one of...

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Our Flag Means Death season 2!

HBO CEO Casey Bloys is unsure about the renewal of Our Flag Means Death for season 3, but he enjoys the show and hopes it performs well enough to justify future seasons. The show's performance over a longer period of time is being taken into consideration, rather than just looking at its initial success. Bloys describes Our Flag Means Death as incredibly funny, well done, and poignant, indicating that it is a great show that is being carefully evaluated for renewal.

HBO CEO Casey Bloys indicates if Our Flag Means Death will be renewed for season 3, providing a cautious update on the show's status. The romantic comedy is set during the Golden Age of Piracy and sees rival pirates Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby) and Edward "Blackbeard" Teach (Taika Waititi) fall in love. Seasons 1 and 2 of the show have received praise from critics and audiences alike.

Our Flag Means Death wraps its second season on Max today, but the man in charge is already planning season three. Max has not yet renewed the pirate comedy series, but series creator David Jenkins is hopeful for the show’s return.

Starring Taika Waititi, Rhys Darby, Nathan Foad, Samson Kayo, Vico Ortiz, Ewen Bremner, Joel Fry, Matt Maher, Kristian Nairn, Con O’Neill, Guz Khan, David Fane, Rory Kinnear, Samba Schutte, Nat Faxon, Fred Armisen, and Leslie Jones, Our Flag Means Death follows the life of 18th-century pirate Stede Bonnet (Darby) and his romance with Blackbeard (Waititi).

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Our Flag Means Death creator David Jenkins discussed what went into the series' drag show.

In the episode "Calypso's Birthday," the crew of the Revenge celebrate the titular holiday, which they all acknowledge is completely fictitious and just an excuse to throw a party. Among the highlights is Wee John Feeny (Kristian Nairn) debuting his look as the goddess herself, with a sparkling blue dress and matching eyeliner. In an interview with Mashable, Jenkins said the scene was partially inspired by Nairn's own history of performing in drag, saying, "You learn more about your actors as you're making the show, and it's nice to take some things from their wheelhouses."

Related: Our Flag Means Death Recap: Season 2, Episodes 1-7

Inspiration Was Taken From Divine

Costume designer Gypsy Taylor -- "a huge fan of drag" according to Jenkins -- based Wee John's look on iconic drag queen Divine, particularly from the 1972 black comedy Pink Flamingos.

[Warning: The below contains Major spoilers for Our Flag Means Death Season 2 Episodes 6 “Calypso’s Birthday” and 7 “Man on Fire.”] Our Flag Means Death‘s crew really knows how to party if the sixth episode from the Max original’s second season is any indication, with the Revenge’s pirates celebrating “Calypso’s Birthday.” While the installment marked a major milestone in co-captains Stede (Rhys Darby) and Ed’s (Taika Waititi) relationship, the episode also made way for iconic drag moments for Wee John (Kristian Nairn) and Izzy Hands (Con O’Neill). Episode 6 saw Stede and Blackbeard lean into their crew’s request to celebrate Calypso’s Birthday, which is essentially a made-up holiday for the pirate community. Unaware that they’re being hunted by another infamous pirate, Ned Low (Bronson Pinchot), the Revenge Crew goes all out, making a stop for decorations, booze, and more supplies. Blackbeard even tries to impart some advice to local youths, played...

“Is it just me, or does the energy around here seem off?”

So asks a pirate halfway through “Our Flag Means Death” Season 2, in a rather percipient observation for a one-time pyromaniac who’s now knitting a sweater he’s already wearing. Wee John (Kristian Nairn) is referring to his discombobulated crew, who’ve been thrown for a loop by a series of swift changes aboard their ship, the Revenge, but he may as well be summing up the similarly flummoxed second season. While “Our Flag Means Death” follows through on its first season’s promise to explore the relationship between Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby) and Ed “Blackbeard” Teach (Taika Waititi), it flattens its overall story by lumping too many characters into the same lovestruck boat.

For a half-hour comedy just starting its second season, “Our Flag Means Death” has already gone through a significant realignment. What started as historical...

After a year and a half at sea, the hit Max Original comedy series “Our Flag Means Death,” starring Rhys Darby and Taiki Waititi, is back for an all-new eight-episode second season. They met by fate, and now, Bonnet and Blackbeard will have to survive more than just the seas of their courtship is going to sail forward. Season 2 of “Our Flag Means Death” will debut on Thursday, Oct. 5 with three new episodes, followed by two episodes each Thursday through Oct. 26. You can watch Our Flag Means Death: Season 2 with a 7-Day Free Trial of Max.

How to Watch ‘Our Flag Means Death’ Season 2 Premiere When: Thursday, October 5, 2023 Where: Max Stream: Watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Max. 7-Day Free Trial$9.99+ / month Max via amazon.com

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About ‘Our Flag Means Death’ Season 2 Premiere

The hit romantic comedy “Our Flag Means Death...

This article contains spoilers for Our Flag Means Death season 1.

The sitcom Our Flag Means Death has behaved in a very piratey way, quite frankly. When it burst onto the scene last year, it unexpectedly plundered fans’ hearts, leaving their new favorite ship – between Rhys Darby as Stede Bonnet and Taika Waititi as Blackbeard – wrecked, and left us stranded on a cliffhanger of a finale desperate for a second series.

Thankfully, the treasure that is season two of Our Flag Means Death is released on Max on Oct. 5, and it’s as adorable as ever, with a whole crew of new characters to fall in love with:

Let’s meet the new characters, and discover which returning cast members are back:

New Cast Ruibo Qian as Susan

Susan runs a soup stand in the Republic of Pirates, which she acquired by savage means, but she seems to have more depth...