Taboo Season 2 (2025): A Comprehensive Guide to the Long-Awaited Return of James Delaney’s Dark Odyssey

Since its gripping debut in 2017, Taboo, the gritty period drama created by Steven Knight, Tom Hardy, and Chips Hardy, has captivated audiences with its dark exploration of 19th-century London, blending political intrigue, supernatural elements, and raw human conflict. Starring Tom Hardy as the enigmatic James Keziah Delaney, the series garnered a loyal following and critical praise for its atmospheric storytelling and Hardy’s intense performance. After years of delays, Taboo Season 2 is finally in active development, with Tom Hardy confirming in March 2025 that writing is underway, sparking renewed excitement among fans. While a 2025 release is speculative, with late 2026 or early 2027 more likely, this article provides a comprehensive overview of Taboo Season 2, covering its anticipated plot, cast, themes, production details, and the cultural impact of its long-awaited return.

Background and Context of Taboo

Taboo Season 1, which premiered on BBC One in the UK and FX in the US, is set in 1814 during the waning days of Britain’s War of 1812 with the United States. The story follows James Keziah Delaney (Tom Hardy), a brooding adventurer presumed dead after twelve years in Africa, who returns to London to claim his late father’s shipping empire and a contested piece of land, Nootka Sound. This strategic territory, located off the west coast of North America, pits Delaney against the powerful East India Company, the British Crown, and American interests. The season’s eight episodes weave a tale of betrayal, corruption, and vengeance, enriched with supernatural undertones tied to Delaney’s mysterious past and possible mystical abilities.

The series, co-created by Hardy, his father Chips Hardy, and Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, was a critical and audience hit, earning a 78% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and averaging 5.8 million viewers per episode across platforms in the US. Its renewal for a second season was announced in March 2017, with Knight envisioning a three-season arc: “the escape” (Season 1), “the journey” (Season 2), and “the arrival” (Season 3). However, delays due to Hardy’s busy schedule, the COVID-19 pandemic, and production challenges have kept fans waiting for over eight years. Recent updates, including Hardy’s confirmation to LADbible and MovieWeb in 2025, signal that Taboo Season 2 is moving forward, with six of eight episodes already written.

Anticipated Plot of Taboo Season 2

While specific plot details for Taboo Season 2 remain closely guarded, insights from Steven Knight and Tom Hardy provide a glimpse into its direction. The first season ended with a dramatic finale: after a bloody gunfight at London’s docks, Delaney and his band of misfits—including Lorna (Jessie Buckley), Atticus (Stephen Graham), and Cholmondeley (Tom Hollander)—sail toward America with a boat full of gunpowder, seeking the US intelligence agent Colonnade. The season’s cliffhanger sets up a transatlantic journey, with Nootka Sound as a pivotal asset in the geopolitical struggle between Britain and America.

Potential Storylines

Journey to America: Season 2 will likely follow Delaney’s crew as they head west to Ponta Delgada in the Azores, a stopover en route to America. Knight has teased a narrative that becomes “more narcotic, more opium-affected,” suggesting a darker, more hallucinatory tone, possibly tied to Delaney’s mystical visions or drug use. The focus on the “Colonnade” spy network hints at espionage, with Delaney navigating American interests to secure Nootka Sound.
Exploration of Heritage: Delaney’s Native American ancestry through his mother, hinted at in Season 1, could play a central role. He may connect with her tribe, uncovering secrets about his supernatural abilities, such as his visions and possible clairvoyance, which were linked to his African experiences and a mysterious tattoo.
Geopolitical Intrigue: The War of 1812 ended in early 1815, complicating Delaney’s plans to exploit tensions between Britain and America. This shift may force him to adapt his strategy, potentially aligning with or manipulating American factions to protect his claim to Nootka Sound.
Personal Conflicts: The fate of characters like Zilpha (Oona Chaplin), Delaney’s half-sister and lover, remains uncertain after her suicide attempt in Season 1. Surviving allies like Lorna, Atticus, and Robert (Louis Ashbourne Serkis), Delaney’s son, may face new challenges, while the East India Company’s pursuit could escalate.

Knight has described Season 2 as “the journey,” with a clear destination in mind, suggesting a narrative arc that builds toward a climactic third season. Hardy has floated ambitious ideas, including a linear continuation, a prequel exploring Delaney’s African years, or even a “quantum-leap” through time, though the latter seems unlikely given Knight’s structured plan. The season will likely retain its signature blend of historical drama, supernatural mystery, and brutal violence, with Delaney’s moral ambiguity driving the story.

Themes and Analysis

Taboo Season 2 is poised to deepen the themes that made the first season compelling, while introducing new layers suited to its American setting:

Colonial Power and Corruption: Season 1 critiqued the East India Company’s ruthless imperialism, likened by Knight to a 19th-century equivalent of the CIA and multinational corporations. Season 2 may shift this lens to America, exploring early US expansionism and the exploitation of Native lands, with Nootka Sound as a symbol of colonial greed.
Identity and Legacy: Delaney’s mixed heritage and traumatic past—his time in Africa, his mother’s imprisonment, and his father’s death—shape his quest for vengeance and self-discovery. Season 2 could delve into his Native American roots, offering a nuanced portrayal of identity in a colonial world.
Supernatural Ambiguity: The show’s subtle supernatural elements—Delaney’s visions, rituals, and possible clairvoyance—will likely intensify, with Knight’s “opium-affected” comment suggesting a dreamlike or mystical narrative. This could tie to indigenous spiritual practices or Delaney’s psychological state.
Revenge and Redemption: Delaney’s vendetta against the East India Company and his personal demons drive the story. Season 2 may explore whether he seeks redemption or descends further into darkness, balancing his cunning with his humanity.

The series’ gothic aesthetic, described by critics as “filthy corrupt London” with “mud, grime, and atmospheric fog,” will likely evolve into a vivid depiction of early American landscapes, from coastal ports to untamed frontiers. Its willingness to tackle taboo subjects—incest, corruption, and colonial violence—sets it apart from sanitized period dramas, promising an “edgier” Season 2.

Cast and Characters

Taboo Season 2 will hinge on Tom Hardy’s return as James Keziah Delaney, whose brooding intensity and physicality defined the first season. Hardy’s commitment to the role, both as actor and co-creator, ensures a central focus on Delaney. Other cast members’ involvement is less certain, given the first season’s violent climax, but likely returnees include:

Jessie Buckley as Lorna Delaney: Horace’s widow, gravely injured in Season 1, may survive to join Delaney’s journey, bringing her resilience and moral grounding. Buckley’s rising stardom (Wild Rose, The Lost Daughter) adds anticipation for her potential role.
Stephen Graham as Atticus: The underworld informant and loyal ally is a strong candidate to return, with Graham’s gritty performance a fan favorite.
Oona Chaplin as Zilpha Geary: Her fate is ambiguous after jumping into the Thames, but her complex relationship with Delaney could bring her back, possibly in flashbacks or as a survivor.
Supporting Cast: Characters like Robert (Louis Ashbourne Serkis), Michael (Edward Hogg), and French Bill (Scroobius Pip) may reappear, though Tom Hollander’s Cholmondeley and Mark Gatiss’ Prince Regent face uncertain fates after Season 1’s injuries.

New cast members are unconfirmed, but Hardy hinted at inviting MobLand co-star Paddy Considine, suggesting potential for fresh faces to join the ensemble. The first season’s stacked cast, including Jonathan Pryce and Leo Bill, set a high bar for Season 2’s performers.

Production Details

Taboo Season 2 is produced by Scott Free London (Ridley Scott, Kate Crowe) and Hardy Son & Baker (Tom Hardy, Dean Baker), with Sonar Entertainment distributing globally outside the UK. Steven Knight, who wrote six of the eight planned episodes by 2021, will continue as showrunner, with Hardy and Chips Hardy contributing to the story. Directors Kristoffer Nyholm and Anders Engström, who helmed Season 1, may return, though no confirmation exists. Max Richter is expected to reprise his role as composer, given his haunting score’s critical acclaim.

Filming, initially planned for 2019, was delayed by Hardy’s commitments to Venom, The Bikeriders, and MobLand, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. Knight targeted late 2023 for production start, but as of June 2025, filming has not begun, with Hardy confirming active writing in March 2025. Locations may shift from London’s gritty docks to American settings, potentially including coastal cities or indigenous territories, requiring new production designs to match Season 1’s meticulous 1814 aesthetic.

The eight-episode season, like its predecessor, will air on BBC One and FX, with streaming availability on platforms like Hulu, Peacock, Tubi, Plex, and Fawesome in the US. A 2025 release is unlikely due to ongoing writing and Hardy’s schedule, with late 2026 or early 2027 more realistic, assuming production begins soon.

Reception and Cultural Impact of Season 1

Taboo Season 1 was a critical and audience success, praised for Hardy’s “exceptionally watchable” performance, the show’s slow-burn pacing, and its vivid production design. It scored a 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics lauding its atmospheric storytelling but noting its dense plot and sluggish start. The series was a trailblazer for BBC One’s Saturday night drama slot, proving edgy content could draw mainstream audiences. In the US, it set FX records for time-shifted viewership, with 3.43 million viewers in Live+3 ratings and 5.8 million across platforms.

The show’s cultural impact lies in its unflinching portrayal of 19th-century London’s underbelly, from working-class misery to the East India Company’s corruption. Some historians, like Tirthankar Roy, criticized its negative depiction of the Company, arguing it overlooked its contributions, but fans embraced its gritty realism. Social media buzz, such as a February 2025 Instagram post by Hardy hinting at Season 2, sent fans into a frenzy, reflecting its enduring cult following.

Expectations for Season 2

Taboo Season 2 is poised to build on the first season’s strengths while addressing its challenges. Fans expect a tighter narrative, given Knight’s claim that six episodes are written, and a deeper exploration of Delaney’s supernatural gifts. The shift to America offers a chance to explore new historical contexts, such as early US expansion and Native American perspectives, potentially making the series more relevant to contemporary discussions of colonialism. Hardy’s passion for the project, emphasized in interviews with MovieWeb and Esquire, suggests a commitment to quality, with the actor prioritizing a “proper” execution over a rushed release.

Challenges remain, including aligning Hardy’s schedule and avoiding the first season’s pacing issues. The addition of new cast members, like Paddy Considine, could refresh the ensemble, while maintaining the show’s gothic aesthetic will be key to satisfying fans. The series’ bold approach to taboo topics—incest, violence, and corruption—may push boundaries further, especially with Knight’s hint of a “more narcotic” tone.

Why Taboo Season 2 Is Worth Watching

Taboo Season 2 promises to deliver the same intoxicating mix of historical drama, supernatural intrigue, and visceral action that made the first season a standout. Tom Hardy’s magnetic performance as James Delaney, described as “brutal yet vulnerable,” remains the show’s heart, with his personal investment ensuring authenticity. The move to America opens new storytelling possibilities, from espionage with the Colonnade network to explorations of Delaney’s Native heritage. The series’ unflinching take on colonial power and moral ambiguity, paired with its stunning visuals, sets it apart in the crowded period drama landscape.

For fans of Peaky Blinders, Penny Dreadful, or The Terror, Taboo Season 2 offers a unique blend of grit and mysticism. While its 2025 release is uncertain, with 2026-2027 more likely, the confirmation of active development is a victory for its dedicated fanbase. Posts on X, like @dimkaberlin’s June 2025 tease, reflect the excitement, though such claims require caution due to unverified sources.

Conclusion

Taboo Season 2 is one of the most anticipated TV events of the coming years, reviving a cult classic that blends historical drama with dark, supernatural flair. With Tom Hardy back as James Delaney, supported by a stellar creative team including Steven Knight and Chips Hardy, the season promises to take viewers on a thrilling journey from London’s grimy docks to America’s untamed shores. While production delays and Hardy’s busy schedule have pushed the release to likely 2026 or 2027, the confirmation of active writing and a clear narrative vision signal a worthy continuation. Whether exploring Delaney’s Native roots, battling American spies, or unraveling his mystical past, Taboo Season 2 is set to be an explosive chapter in a saga of vengeance, legacy, and redemption. Fans can catch up on Season 1 on Hulu, Peacock, or Tubi and keep an eye on BBC and FX for updates on this long-awaited return.