Meta Description: Tom Hardy is officially returning in Taboo Season 2. Here’s everything we know about the upcoming season — the story, cast, release timeline, and how it will expand James Delaney’s mysterious empire.
The Long-Awaited Return
After years of silence, the storm is finally gathering again. Taboo, the dark and haunting period drama starring Tom Hardy, is officially returning for Season 2. The show, which first premiered on BBC and FX in 2017, became a cult phenomenon for its gritty storytelling, atmospheric visuals, and Hardy’s unforgettable performance as James Keziah Delaney — a man shrouded in secrets, violence, and vengeance.
Created by Steven Knight, Tom Hardy, and Chips Hardy, Taboo transported viewers to the grim streets of early 19th-century London, where power, corruption, and madness intertwined. Fans have been waiting for years to see what happens next after Delaney set sail for America in the Season 1 finale.
Now, that wait is finally over — and Season 2 promises to be darker, deeper, and more ambitious than ever.
Where We Left Off
Season 1 followed James Delaney’s return to London after being presumed dead for years. Inheriting his father’s shipping company and a strategic piece of land known as Nootka Sound, Delaney quickly found himself at war with the East India Company and the British Crown.
The finale ended with Delaney escaping London with his loyal followers, setting course for America — the land that could be both his salvation and his downfall. His cryptic words, “We are Americans now,” hinted that the next chapter would move the story into new territory, both geographically and politically.
What to Expect in Taboo Season 2
According to creator Steven Knight, the upcoming season will explore the formation of Delaney’s new empire. Now across the Atlantic, he will face new enemies — American intelligence, rival traders, and perhaps even ghosts from his past.
Possible themes and directions for Season 2 include:
- Delaney in America: Establishing his trading network amid political warfare.
- The Ghosts Within: Expanding on the psychological and supernatural elements that haunt him.
- Conflict with Global Powers: A collision between British, American, and indigenous forces in a battle for control and survival.
- The Family Legacy: More revelations about the Delaney bloodline and its dark connections.
Expect Season 2 to be filled with new alliances, betrayals, and shocking twists that test every ounce of Delaney’s cunning.
Tom Hardy’s Vision and Commitment
Tom Hardy has described Taboo as one of his most personal projects. Co-created with his father, the series allowed him to explore the themes of trauma, ambition, and moral decay that have defined some of his best performances.
In interviews, Hardy has expressed excitement about returning to the role. “We’ve been waiting for the right moment to continue James’s story,” he said, hinting that production delays were due to scheduling and creative fine-tuning rather than cancellation.
Steven Knight also confirmed that all eight episodes for Season 2 have been outlined, and the new scripts are “as explosive and unpredictable as the first season.”
Returning Cast Members
While official casting announcements are still under wraps, fans expect several key faces to return alongside Tom Hardy:
- Jessie Buckley as Lorna Bow, who could continue to play a vital role in Delaney’s journey.
- Stephen Graham as Atticus, Delaney’s brutal yet loyal ally.
- David Hayman as Brace, the family’s longtime servant and moral anchor.
Given the series’ unpredictable nature, it’s likely that new characters — including American agents and powerful rivals — will join the story.
Why Fans Love Taboo
Part of what makes Taboo so unique is its ability to blend genres. It’s not just a historical drama — it’s a psychological thriller, a political conspiracy, and a gothic mystery all in one. The show’s haunting imagery, moral complexity, and Hardy’s intense performance set it apart from anything else on television.
Fans also appreciate how Taboo challenges power structures and questions humanity’s greed and corruption. Every line, every glance, and every betrayal feels meaningful in Knight’s carefully crafted world.
Conclusion
Taboo Season 2 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated TV returns of the decade. With Tom Hardy back as James Keziah Delaney, fans can expect a journey that’s more violent, emotional, and psychologically gripping than ever before.
The upcoming season won’t just continue Delaney’s story — it will redefine it. From the fog-covered docks of London to the dangerous shores of America, Taboo is set to expand its world and its darkness.
For fans of gritty, intelligent drama, this isn’t just another series comeback — it’s the rebirth of a legend.