Nearly 10 months after first getting the green light at NBC, the pirate series Crossbones has brought on John Malkovich to play Blackbeard.

The 10-episode series will take place in the year 1715 on the Bahamian island New Providence, ruled by the nefarious pirate Edward Teach, a.k.a. Blackbeard. Since this island of thieves and marauders presents a dangerous threat to international commerce, an assassin named Tom Lowe has been dispatched to the island to take out Blackbeard. However, the hitman becomes fascinated by Blackbeard's ideals, making it harder for him to complete his mission. The series will explore, "the true legend" behind this notorious pirate.

Luther creator Neil Cross wrote the pilot script and will executive produce alongside Walter F. Parkes and Laurie McDonald. Production is slated to begin sometime this fall.

Crossbones marks the first foray into American television for John Malkovich. He most recently starred in Summit's zombie movie Warm Bodies, and next appears in the action sequel Red 2.