After years of radio silence, fans of Taboo finally have reason to celebrate — Tom Hardy himself has confirmed that Season 2 is officially back in development. The dark, brooding historical drama first premiered in 2017, capturing audiences with its mysterious plotlines, rich atmosphere, and Hardy’s intense performance as James Keziah Delaney. While the show was quickly renewed for a second season, delays and shifting schedules left its future uncertain — until now.
In a recent interview, Hardy revealed, “We’re writing that at the moment,” confirming that scriptwriting is actively underway. The news reignites excitement for a show many had feared was permanently shelved.
A Journey Delayed But Never Forgotten
Taboo Season 1 left viewers on the edge of their seats, with James Delaney and his loyal followers setting sail toward the New World, leaving behind the corruption of 19th-century London. Since then, fans have waited patiently — and sometimes impatiently — for answers.
Despite its critical acclaim and a strong fan following, Season 2’s development hit roadblocks. Tom Hardy’s packed schedule, along with co-creator Steven Knight’s commitments to Peaky Blinders and other projects, contributed to the prolonged delay. For years, updates were vague at best, with only occasional assurances that the story wasn’t over.
Now, with Hardy confirming the active development of Season 2, the anticipation has been reignited — and this time, it feels real.
What We Know So Far
While exact plot details are being kept under wraps, there are several hints about what Taboo Season 2 may explore:
- James Delaney’s journey to America: The Season 1 finale set the stage for an expansion beyond London. The new season may dive into the political tensions of the early 1800s, involving America, the East India Company, and the shadowy spy network known as the Colonnade.
- Expansion of espionage and occult elements: Season 1 touched on themes of mysticism, Native American heritage, and espionage. Season 2 is expected to delve deeper into these mysterious layers, possibly exploring Delaney’s lineage and supernatural connections.
- Return of the original creative team: Alongside Hardy, Steven Knight and Chips Hardy (Tom’s father) are still involved, ensuring the tone and vision remain intact.
- Character continuity: While not officially confirmed, many cast members from Season 1 — including Jessie Buckley, Stephen Graham, and Tom Hollander — may reprise their roles.
Why Now?
The timing of this announcement may not be coincidental. With Peaky Blinders concluding its main series and Tom Hardy having wrapped other major projects, the creative team now appears ready to return to the world of Taboo with full attention.
Moreover, there’s a clear appetite for gritty, atmospheric dramas — and Taboo, with its blend of historical realism and gothic intrigue, is uniquely positioned to deliver something fresh in a saturated streaming market.
Anticipated Release Window
Although scriptwriting has resumed, filming has not yet begun. Based on the current progress and industry timelines, Season 2 may enter production in late 2025, with a possible release in 2026 or early 2027. While that may still feel like a wait, this is the first concrete step forward in nearly a decade.
And this time, it’s not just a rumor — it’s a promise from the lead star himself.
Final Thoughts
Taboo is not your typical period drama — it’s dark, brutal, poetic, and layered with secrets. The return of James Delaney means the continuation of a story that has remained unresolved for too long.
With Tom Hardy once again at the helm and the original creators back in the saddle, Season 2 promises to deliver more danger, more mystery, and more madness — everything that made Taboo such a standout success in the first place.
The wait may have been long, but it looks like it will be worth every second.