Paul Wesley Joins the Cast of Apple TV’s Season 3 of ‘The Buccaneers’
Apple TV’s The Buccaneers Announces Season 3 Casting Changes
Apple TV’s period drama The Buccaneers is set to welcome actor Paul Wesley for its third season. Known for his roles in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Vampire Diaries, Wesley will portray Frank, a mysterious and charming newcomer who disrupts the lives of Nan and Mrs. St. George.
Recently, images surfaced online of Wesley alongside Christina Hendricks’ character, Patty St. George, indicating that production for the new season has begun.
The logline for Season 3 reveals, “Our Buccaneers are fighting back. And they’re doing it together. When they arrived in England they were all navigating their first loves. Now, they’re looking for the loves of their lives, and with a new and enigmatic Duke at the helm, Tintagel is also facing an uncertain future. If polite English society thought our American girls rocked the boat, this new bad-boy Duke is about to sink the ship.”
While the identity of the new "bad boy Duke" remains under wraps, a pivotal character was introduced at the end of Season 2. Kit, portrayed as Theo’s long-lost half-brother, could potentially assume the Duke of Tintagel after Theo abdicated his title. The character was last seen riding toward the estate at the behest of The Dowager Duchess of Tintagel, although the actor’s identity has yet to be disclosed.
The Buccaneers received a renewal for its third season in October, just two months following the Season 2 finale. Produced by The Forge, the series captures the Gilded Age, blending historical elements with modern music choices. The first season prominently featured tracks by female artists.
The show’s initial season depicted spirited American girls entering the elite society of 1870s London, sparking a clash of cultures. The second season further explored themes of love, heartbreak, motherhood, and the complexities of English law.
Theo’s decision to renounce his title stems from his desire to divorce Nan (played by Kristine Frøseth) in order to wed Lizzy (Aubri Ibrag), with whom he developed feelings during Nan’s absence. Complicating the narrative, Nan is pregnant with Theo’s child, raising questions about the child’s future inheritance of the Tintagel title and estate.
The cast of The Buccaneers also includes Alisha Boe as Conchita Closson and Josie Totah as Mabel Elmsworth, completing the group of close friends. Other notable characters include Honoria Marable, played by Mia Threapleton, and her brother-in-law Richard Marable, portrayed by Josh Dylan. Richard’s fate took a tragic turn in Season 2, culminating in his death at the hands of his brother.
Leighton Meester joined the cast in Season 2 as Aunt Nell, revealing her connection to Nan as her biological mother. This family dynamic played a significant role in the overarching storyline, especially as Nan navigated her relationships with Guy Thwarte and Theo.
Additional cast members for Season 2 included Grace Ambrose, Maria Almeida, Amelia Bullmore, Fenella Woolgar, Greg Wise, and Jacob Ifan.
Season 3 is penned by creator Katherine Jakeways, with direction by DGA Award winner Rachel Leiterman and BAFTA nominee Amy Neil. Jakeways, alongside Emmy Award winner Beth Willis, serves as an executive producer, with Joe Innes elevated to executive producer for this season. Previous directors of Season 2 included William McGregor, Rachel Leiterman, John Hardwick, and Charlie Manton. The Buccaneers is produced for Apple TV by The Forge Entertainment, part of Banijay UK.
