In the world of television, few shows have stolen hearts, launched a thousand fanfics, and caused as many people to seriously consider becoming pirates as HBO’s Our Flag Means Death. And at the helm of it all? The delightfully eccentric, constantly charming, and sneakily profound Rhys Darby, who sat down with The Movie Dweeb to talk about the fandom frenzy, what to expect (or not expect) from Season 3, and (perhaps most importantly) what it’s like to kiss Taika Waititi.

Spoiler alert: Taika is, in fact, a very good kisser. But I’ll get to that.

A Gentlemen Pirate’s Journey: What Our Flag Means Death Is All About

If you’ve somehow avoided Our Flag Means Death so far, first of all… How? Secondly, it’s time to board ship. This genre-bending pirate comedy series, created by David Jenkins, blends historical satire, romantic comedy, and emotional character work in a way few shows dare to attempt. Based (very loosely) on the real-life Stede Bonnet, the show follows Rhys Darby’s Stede, a wealthy aristocrat-turned-pirate who ditches his cushy life for the chaos of the high seas.

Stede is completely unqualified to be a pirate. His crew is confused, his ship, The Revenge, is better decorated than most high-end Airbnbs, and his attempts at pirate leadership are… Let’s say unconventional. But what truly anchors the story is his relationship with the feared and fabled Blackbeard, played by Oscar-winner, Marvel star, and certified icon, Taika Waititi.

What starts as a strange bromance blossoms into one of TV’s most heartwarming, heartbreaking, and beautifully queer love stories in recent memory. Whether they’re sword fighting, slow dancing, or emotionally unpacking their childhood trauma, Stede and Ed’s relationship is the heartbeat of the show.

Rhys Darby on Fan Frenzy, Homemade Gifts, and Emotional Detachment

Now two seasons deep, Our Flag Means Death has become a full-blown cultural phenomenon. The fandom is fierce, loyal, and incredibly creative; something Rhys Darby knows all too well. Speaking to The Movie Dweeb, he laughed about the sheer volume of fan-made creations flooding into his life: “I need to get a place to store all these things. There’s not enough room in my house for all these homemade versions of me and pictures and, you know, things like that.”

While most celebrities might panic under the weight of that much adoration, Rhys has a healthy way of coping. “No, no, because I detach myself from the fandom as soon as I start work, you know? And I think that’s the healthy thing to do,” he said. “It’s a lot, it’s full-on. I then go on tour, I do stand-up, they all turn up. I love it. Thanks, everyone.”

But when it’s time to step back into the role of Stede, he’s all in. “When the job starts, that is all pushed aside and I am now becoming this guy again. And I’m confident with who he is. I’ve lived with him for two years… Now it’s just relying on the writers to take him in the direction I think it should go. And I have no idea where that will be.”

So, in case you were wondering… Yes, Rhys wants a Season 3. But no, he’s not spilling any secrets. Classic Stede.

“He’s a Kiwi. All Kiwis Are Amazing Kissers.”

Let’s be honest. You’re not reading this article just for the Season 3 tea. You’re here for the kiss.

During the interview, I brought up a topic close to my heart (and honestly, close to all of ours): “You and Rita Ora have both done something I’ve always wanted to do,” I said. “Kiss Taika Waititi.”

With perfect comedic timing and a cheeky grin, Rhys played along. “If that’s what you want to hear, I mean, I could lie to you… He’s a good kisser. Of course he is. Of course he is a good kisser.”

Then, perhaps delivering the greatest quote to ever leave a Kiwi’s lips, he added: “He’s a Kiwi. All Kiwis are amazing kissers.”

Honestly? No notes.

The Legacy of Our Flag Means Death: Why Fans Are Hooked

There’s a reason why this show hits so hard. Beyond the humor, the pastel ruffles, and the beautifully awkward pirate leadership, Our Flag Means Death is a show about love; real, messy, queer love. It doesn’t play into tropes. It flips them, gives them a jaunty hat, and lets them monologue about emotional growth on a moonlit beach.

Rhys Darby’s Stede Bonnet is the unlikely hero we didn’t know we needed. And with Taika’s Ed, they’ve become the internet’s ultimate ship. Literally and romantically. Fan art, cosplay, embroidered quotes, even musical covers, the fandom’s dedication is as impressive as Blackbeard’s beard maintenance routine.

Season 2 ended with heartbreak, hope, and a whole lot of questions. Will Stede and Ed find their way back to each other? Will the crew survive? And most importantly… How many more people will get to kiss Taika?

One Last Plea for Season 3

While HBO has yet to officially announce a third season, Rhys Darby remains optimistic and ready. “I see where he has come from and I feel what he’s gone through,” he said of Stede. “Now it’s up to the writers.”

Until then, fans can continue writing pirate-themed love letters to HBO, crafting life-sized Darby dolls, and perfecting their New Zealand accents in hopes of one day confirming Rhys’ bold claim about Kiwi kissing prowess.