Actor Tom Hardy has officially announced that a second season of the historical crime drama Taboo is currently in development. The announcement comes years after the original series premiered on BBC and FX, following a long period of speculation regarding its future .

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The decade-long wait for James Delaney's return

The historical thriller Taboo first captured audiences in 2017 through a partnership betewen the BBC and FX. co-created by Tom Hardy, screenwriter Chips Hardy, and Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, the series established a gritty, atmospheric world that fans have been eager to revisit for years. as the report notes, the delay in production was not merely a matter of scheduling but a deliberate choice by Hardy to ensure the narrative met the high standards of the first season.

The revival of Taboo follows a period of intense creative development for its creators. While Steven Knight has been occupied with projects like A Thousand Blows and House of Guinness, the development of Taboo season 2 has remained a priority for Hardy.. According to the report, Hardy expressed a deep passion for the project during a recent interview with Pop Drop on September 18, while he was promoting his work on MobLand.

A potential leap from the 1800s to the Vietnam War

One of the most intriguing possibilities for the revival involves a radical shift in setting. In a 2021 interview with Esquire, Tom Hardy floated the idea of a massive time jump that would move the story from the early 19th century into the 1960s. this concept would place the Delaney family in a jungle setting during the Vietnam War, maintaining the "period" feel while drastically altering the historical context.

Beyond a change in era, the character of James Delaney may also undergo a transformation. Hardy has mused about the passage of time, noting that a decade has passed since the initial release. This leads to the question of whether Hardy will continue to play the same protagonist or perhaps transition into the role of the character's son, a possibility that would allow the series to evolve alongside its lead actor.

Balancing MobLand season 3 with Knight's new series

The production schedule for Taboo season 2 remains unconfirmed, but Hardy's current commitments provide a rough roadmap. Hardy is expected to begin filming the third season of MobLand before the end of this year. Given this workload, industry observers suggest that filming for the next installment of Taboo might not commence until the middle of 2027.

Will the scripts honor the 2017 original?

Several critical details regarding the direction of the series remain unverified. While the report confirms that scripts are currently being written,it is still unknown if the 1960s Vietnam War concept will be the actual path taken or if the show will remain in its original 19th-century setting. Furthermore, the specific narrtaive arc that will bridge the gap from the 2017 finale remains a mystery.