Those About To Die is an epic historical drama set in the corrupt world of the spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition, exploring a side of ancient Rome never before told — the dirty business of entertaining the masses, giving the mob what they want most…blood and sport. The series introduces an ensemble of characters from all corners of the Roman Empire who collide at the explosive intersection of sports, politics, and dynasties.
Peacock is set to premiere “Those About to Die,” an epic sword-and-sandal television series, on July 18, 2024. Developed by Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan) and directed by Roland Emmerich (Independence Day) and Marco Kreuzpaintner (Bodies), the show is an adaptation of Daniel P. Mannix’s book of the same name, (which also served as an inspiration for Ridley Scott’s Gladiator) offers a gritty and immersive portrayal of Ancient Rome’s gladiatorial world.
“Those About to Die” delves into the tumultuous lives of gladiators in Ancient Rome. It provides a raw look at the brutal entertainment industry of the era, showcasing the blood and sport demanded by the masses. The series promises to reveal a darker side of Roman culture, focusing on the fierce battles and personal struggles of those who fought for their lives in the arena.
The ensemble cast is headlined by two-time Oscar-winner Anthony Hopkins, who plays Vespasian, an aging Roman emperor tasked with delivering brutal Colosseum spectacles to satisfy the public’s thirst for blood.
Also starring an ensemble cast : Iwan Rheon (Game of Thrones), Sara Martins (Citadel), Tom Hughes (Infinite), Jojo Macari (Morbius), Moe Hashim (Ted Lasso), Johannes Haukur Johannesson (Vikings: Valhalla), Rupert Penry-Jones (The Batman), Gabriella Pession (Crossing Lines), Dimitri Leonidas (Centurion), Emilio Sakraya (One Night Off), David Wurawa (Project 2030), Pepe Barroso (Gran Turismo), Gonçalo Almeida (Monte Clérigo), Eneko Sagardoy (Irati), and Romana Maggiora Vergano (Cabrini).
British actor Tom Hughes portrays Titus in the series, a tough-minded military man, contrasting sharply with his younger brother Domitian (Jojo Macari). Unlike Titus, Domitian prefers to stage-manage the empire’s gladiatorial games, staying far removed from the dangers of the battlefield.
Though Hughes’ British screen career spans more than a decade, the 39-year-old Chester, England native has only recently started gaining attention in Hollywood. Hughes first garnered significant acclaim with a British Independent Film Awards nomination for his comedic role in 2010’s Cemetery Junction, a film directed by the original British creators of The Office. His career surged with notable appearances alongside Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz in the British thriller Page Eight, Jenna Coleman in the historical drama Victoria, and Dame Judi Dench in the 2018 spy drama Red Joan.
The show’s title, Those About to Die, is derived from the famous Latin phrase, “Ave, Imperator: Morituri te salutant,” which translates to “Hail, Emperor, those who are about to die salute you.”
“I have always been fascinated by the history of the Roman Empire. Much of it still feels relevant today — from the intertwining of politics and sports to the enduring appeal of competitive events. The most electrifying spectacles for the masses still involve two men in an arena, battling each other, and today’s chariots are race cars whose drivers often risk their lives.”
Roland Emmerich
The series was greenlit by Peacock in July 2022, with Robert Rodat writing the script and Roland Emmerich set to direct. With a substantial budget of $140 million, production was slated to begin in early 2023. By January 2023, Anthony Hopkins had joined the cast, followed by Dimitri Leonidas, Gabriella Pession, Lorenzo Richelmy, and Tom Hughes in February. During production, which commenced at the historic Cinecittà studios in Rome in March 2023, Iwan Rheon was brought in to replace Richelmy.
“Those About to Die” promises to be a thrilling and visually spectacular series, capturing the essence of Ancient Rome’s gladiatorial spectacles and the complex lives of those who fought in the arenas, audiences can look forward to a powerful narrative that combines historical drama with intense action. Those About to Die is streaming July 18 on Peacock: https://pck.tv/3x7il7W
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