Tom Hardy and His Father Forge Dark New Path in Television with Taboo

In a rare and compelling collaboration, actor Tom Hardy joined forces with his father, Edward “Chips” Hardy, to co-create the gritty period drama Taboo. Born from a shared conversation about crafting a period piece with a darker, unconventional edge, the series marks a unique father-son partnership that redefines traditional television storytelling.

At the heart of Taboo lies James Delaney, a protagonist envisioned by Hardy as a complex fusion of iconic characters—ranging from the ruthless Bill Sykes and the enigmatic Sherlock Holmes to the chilling Hannibal Lecter and the morally ambiguous Marlow from Heart of Darkness. This bold blend aimed to create an anti-hero who defies easy categorization, embodying layers of mystery, trauma, and moral complexity.

Hardy has described Taboo as an “electrifying antidote to Downton,” positioning the series as a deliberate subversion of the polished, genteel image often associated with period dramas. Instead, the show plunges into the raw, brutal realities of 19th-century London’s underworld, portraying a city rife with danger, secrets, and dark power struggles.

The lead character James Delaney, whom Hardy likens to Clint Eastwood’s “Pale Rider,” is a mysterious figure returning to London as a harbinger of reckoning. This evocative comparison captures Delaney’s enigmatic presence and the foreboding energy that drives the narrative forward.

Hardy’s commitment to the project extended beyond performance; the development of Taboo was a highly collaborative endeavor. Hardy, Chips Hardy, and acclaimed writer Steven Knight frequently revised scripts and characters throughout production, allowing the story and its characters to evolve organically. This iterative process brought depth and nuance to the series, enabling a richly textured portrayal of the period and its people.

Portraying James Delaney required Hardy to explore profound psychological terrain, delving into the character’s traumatic past and moral ambiguities. This exploration added compelling layers to Delaney’s motivations and choices, making him a deeply intriguing figure whose loyalties and intentions remain tantalizingly opaque.

The show’s meticulous attention to historical accuracy further immerses viewers in its world. From authentic set designs and period costumes to carefully crafted dialects, Hardy and the production team worked tirelessly to recreate the atmosphere of 1800s London, lending Taboo an immersive realism that grounds its dark narrative.

Years in the making, Taboo reflects Hardy’s enduring passion for the story. The lengthy development allowed for a refined and compelling narrative that challenges viewers’ expectations. Hardy has teased that by the end of Season 1, the series would take unexpected turns, deepening its mysteries and pushing the boundaries of conventional storytelling.

Adding a personal touch to his media appearances, Hardy shared a memorable moment during an interview in Stockholm when he accepted a ceramic bird from the interviewer—an intimate gesture that symbolized his appreciation for genuine human connection beyond the formalities of the press.

Taboo stands out not only as a striking period drama but also as a testament to creative family collaboration and the power of complex, unconventional storytelling in modern television.