NBC's standing is definitely on the rise, following their first November sweeps week in nearly a decade, and an impressive array of hour-long dramas in development.  Not only have we been following Bryan Fuller's 'Hannibal' and Jonathan Rhys-Meyers' 'Dracula' series, but also kept a weather eye on the horizon for upcoming pirate drama 'Crossbones!'  With a ten episode order in place, what former 'House' star might be man enough to step into the boots of the legendary Blackbeard?  Why, House himself, Hugh Laurie of course!

Hugh Laurie may have spent eight years taking bullets out of patients, but his latest role could prove to be quite the opposite.  The Hollywood Reporter has indicated that the  former 'House' star is on the verge of a deal to star in NBC's upcoming drama 'Crossbones,' taking the role of the iconic Captain Edward "Blackbeard" Teach.

Based on Colin Woodard's book 'The Republic of Pirates' and scripted by 'Luther' creator Neil Cross, the series takes place in the "golden age of piracy" and would see Blackbeard at the height of his power ruling over a nation of criminals.  Take a look at NBC's official summation below:

It’s 1715 on the Bahamian island of New Providence, the first functioning democracy in the Americas, where the diabolical pirate Edward Teach, aka Blackbeard, reigns over a rogue nation of thieves, outlaws and miscreant sailors. Part shantytown, part marauder’s paradise, this is a place like no other on earth – and a mounting threat to international commerce.

To gain control of this fearsome society, Tom Lowe, a highly skilled undercover assassin, is sent to the pirates’ haven to take down the brilliant and charismatic Blackbeard. But the closer Lowe gets, the more he finds that his quest is not so simple. Lowe can’t help but admire the political ideals of Blackbeard, whose thirst for knowledge knows no bounds – and no law. But Lowe is not the only danger to Blackbeard’s rule. He is a man with many villainous rivals and one great weakness – a passionately driven woman whom he cannot deny.

'Crossbones' is actually the second major pirate series in development, along with the Michael Bay Starz series and 'Treasure Island' prequel 'Black Sails.'

What say you?  Could you see 'House's Hugh Laurie as Blackbeard?  Tell us if you'd watch 'Crossbones' in the comments!

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