TV
All about ‘Those About to Die’, the Anthony Hopkins series that aims to outdo ‘Gladiator’
Roland Emmerich and Anthony Hopkins team up to bring us one of the upcoming sword-and-sandals series that aims to capture our attention this summer.
The Roman Empire has always fascinated the entertainment industry. ‘Ben Hur’, ‘Spartacus’, ‘Rom’e, ‘Gladiator’, ‘Britannia’, ‘Caligula’, ‘I, Claudius’, and why not ‘Life of Brian’ have all been a reflection of this era dominated by one of the greatest empires in human history. A new series is on the way from Roland Emmerich, who eschews global cataclysms and alien invasions for a sword-and-sandal series, with the upcoming ‘Those About to Die’, out next week.
What is Those About to Die about?
The series is based on the 1958 nonfiction book of the same name by Daniel Mannix, and this is the official synopsis:
Those About To Die is an epic 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.”
The show is written by Robert Rodat, an Academy Award nominee for one of the most important films in Steven Spielberg’s filmography, ‘Saving Private Ryan’.
Who is part of the ‘Those About to Die’ cast?
The cast of ‘Those About to Die’ is led by two-time Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins, who plays the Roman Emperor Vespasian, who is responsible for giving the people what they want: the brutal fight in the Colosseum. Also starring Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, Moe Hashim, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Rupert Penry-Jones, Gabriella Pession, Dimitri Leonidas, Emilio Sakraya, David Wurawa, Pepe Barroso, Gonçalo Almeida, Eneko Sagardoy, Romana Maggiora Vergano, Lara Wolf, Angeliqa Devi, Kyshan Wilson and Alicia Edogamhe.
How long and how many episodes does ‘Those About to Die’ have?
The series will debut with 10 1-hour-long episodes.
When will ‘Those About to Die’ be released in the USA?
‘Those About to Die’ will premiere in the US through Peacock’s streaming service on Thursday, July 18. The series is planed to be released internationally on Prime Video.
How much does a Peacock subscription cost?
Peacock Premium, which includes ads, is $5.99 per month. An annual Peacock Premium plan is also available at a limited-time offer price of $19.99. This annual subscription is normally $59.99. Premium Plus, which is ad-free, costs $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year.