John Malkovich to tackle pirate Blackbeard for new TV show

Actor John Malkovich has been cast as pirate legend Blackbeard in a new TV series.

The Being John Malkovich star will make his TV debut in the adaptation of Colin Woodard's book The Republic of Pirates.

Hugh Laurie was originally onboard to play the pirate leader in the new series, titled Crossbones, but reportedly passed on the project.