Pirates hit the high seas in trailer for Starz's Michael Bay-produced 'Black Sails'

Avast, ye scurvy dogs, Starz has unleashed the first trailer for its anticipated new original series “Black Sails” from executive producer Michael Bay. It be full of treasure and treachery, mateys.

Taking place twenty years prior to Robert Louis Stevenson”s classic book “Treasure Island,” the drama follows feared pirate captain Flint (“Die Another Day’s” Toby Stephens) and a new addition to his damned crew named John Silver (Luke Arnold, “The Pacific”). Together, they fight for the survival of the criminal refuge known as New Providence Island against the government.

The trailer (above) features everything you’d expect from a Michael Bay-produced cable drama about pirates: Guns, swords, sex, blood, and macho men saying things like “A war is coming” and “Whatever you do, don’t show fear…”

The eight-episode first season is expected to air in 2014. “Black Sails” also stars Clara Paget and Hannah New.

“Black Sails” is executive produced by “Transformers” honcho Bay and his Platinum Dunes partners Brad Fuller and Andrew Form (producers of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (2003)).

The series was created by “Jericho” creator Jon Steinberg, who also serves as showrunner and executive producer, with Robert Levine (“Touch”) acting as co-executive producer.

“Black Sails” is currently shooting in Cape Town, South Africa.

Are you excited for “Black Sails” to set sail?

Pirates hit the high seas in trailer for Starz’s Michael Bay-produced ‘Black Sails’