Tom Hardy stars as the brooding adventurer James Keziah Delaney in BBC/FX period drama Taboo, alongside Jonathan Pryce as his nemesis Sir Stuart Strange and Oona Chaplin as his half-sister Zilpha Geary.
Main cast
- James Keziah DelaneyTom Hardy1Main
- Sir Stuart StrangeJonathan Pryce1Main
- Zilpha Geary (née Delaney)Oona Chaplin1Main
- Lorna Delaney (née Bow)Jessie Buckley1Main
- Helga von HintenFranka Potente1Main
Supporting cast
- BraceDavid Hayman1Supp
- George CholmondeleyMichael Kelly1Supp
- AtticusStephen Graham1Supp
- Dr. DumbartonTom Hollander1Supp
- Benjamin GodwinEd Hogg1Supp
- WinterLeo Bill1Supp
- PettiferRichard Dillane1Supp
- Lord HastingsJesse James (actor: Jesse James)1Supp
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About this cast
Taboo is a BBC One and FX co-production set in 1814, following James Keziah Delaney (Tom Hardy), who returns to London from Africa after his father’s death to claim his inheritance. The series, created by Steven Knight, Tom Hardy and his father Chips Hardy, blends dark family secrets, trade warfare and supernatural undertones.
FAQs
Who plays James Delaney in Taboo?
Tom Hardy plays the lead role of James Keziah Delaney.
How many seasons of Taboo are there?
As of 2025, only one season (8 episodes) has aired. A second season has been announced but not yet released.
Is Taboo based on a true story?
No, Taboo is a fictional story created by Steven Knight, Tom Hardy and his father Chips Hardy, though it is set against real historical events of the early 19th century.
Who plays Sir Stuart Strange in Taboo?
Jonathan Pryce plays Sir Stuart Strange, the head of the East India Company.
Where was Taboo filmed?
Filming took place in England, including London, and also on location in South Africa and Morocco.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026