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Roland Emmerich, the US-based German director of The Day After Tomorrow and Independence Day,is teaming with The Theory Of Everything and The Two Popes writer Anthony McCarten for what he hopes will be his next feature, Exodus, a Sudan-set action title.

New Zealand-born McCarten’s credits also include Darkest Hour and Bohemian Rhapsody.

Emmerich described Exodus as set in the not-so-distant future where the population is battling climate catastrophe and brutal militia.

“Two fearless kids, armed with a smartphone and unyielding courage, team up with a rogue pilot and a defiant doctor to expose a global conspiracy, racing through...

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Murder in a Small Town is a mystery crime drama series created by Ian Weir. Based on The Alberg and Cassandra Mysteries novel series by author L.R. Wright, the Fox series is set in the small idyllic town of Gibsons and it follows the story of the new police chief Karl Alberg after he leaves the city and comes to town to get some peace of mind and find a new partner, but he is soon confronted with various crimes that he has to solve with the help of his team. Murder in a Small Town stars Rossif Sutherland and Kristin Kreuk in the lead roles with James Cromwell, Stana Katic, Mya Lowe, and Aaron Douglas starring in supporting roles. So, if you loved the murder mysteries, complex relationships, and compelling characters in Murder in a Small Town...

Netflix subscribers will soon see the legendary Anthony Hopkins grace their screens in an upcoming biblical epic. The Oscar-winning actor's film, Mary, officially lands at the streaming giant.

Per Variety, Netflix confirmed picking up Mary, which features Hopkins and is directed by XXX: Return of Xander Cage and Disturbia helmer, D.J. Caruso, with Birdseye's Michael Hayes as the screenplay writer. Netflix will premiere Mary later this year, though no exact release date has been confirmed yet.

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Mary is a coming-of-age movie which sees Mary shunned and forced into hiding following her miraculous conception of Jesus Christ. Hopkins plays King Herod, who feels his reign on the throne faces a serious threat from baby Jesus, who is regarded as the savior, leading to him igniting...

Those About to Die director Roland Emmerich discusses what season 2 would explore. Those About to Die is an action-packed historical comedy drama that explores Ancient Rome through the lens of the entertainment business. The series has one season, and has released 10 episodes on Peacock. Those About to Die features a leading cast including Anthony Hopkins, Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Jojo Macari, Moe Hashim, Tom Hughes, and Dimitri Leonidas.

Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Emmerich envisions what Those About to Die season 2 might look like. Likening the prospective second season to Godfather II, the director explained that he would like to tell stories using a "present timeline" and "past timeline." The flashback periods would explore The Year of Four Emperors, set 10 years before the events of Those About to Die season 1. These moments include Emperor Nero's suicide and the resulting struggle for power. The season would alternate between this history and the present-day timeline.

Season 2 of Roland Emmerich's sword-and-sandals drama, Those About to Die, could be going back in time (even further than Season 1), as the director has based his plans for the series on Francis Ford Coppola's seminal The Godfather trilogy. Released on Peacock and Prime Video earlier this year, No Time to Die explores the dirty underbelly of Rome, as members of the four factions vie for control over the newly built Colosseum, all while the city faces ongoing food shortages and riots. Season 1 received decent reviews from audiences, although it has yet to be officially renewed for a second season.

While the official confirmation has yet to come, Roland Emmerich (who directed half of season 1 and acted as showrunner), is already planning ahead for the second season, and has teased that the historical timeline is going to get disjointed. "We hope to do a little bit what Godfather II did,...

The Mallorca Files is a British police procedural crime comedy-drama series created by Dan Sefton. The BBC One series is set on the beautiful island of Mallorca and it follows the story of a Welsh detective Miranda Blake as she is ordered to team up with the German detective Max Winter to solve crimes. The Mallorca Files stars Elen Rhys and Julian Looman in the lead roles with María Fernández Ache, Tábata Cerezo, Alex Hafner, Nacho Aldeguer, and Amy Beth Hayes starring in supporting roles. So, if you loved the mysteries, crimes, the leading duo, and tons of comedy in The Mallorca Files here are some similar shows you could watch next.

Death in Paradise (Pluto TV & Prime Video Add-On) Credit – BBC One

Death in Paradise is a British-French crime comedy-drama series created by Robert Thorogood. The BBC One series follows the story of a detective inspector from London as...

Bad Monkey is a crime drama and dark comedy series created by Bill Lawrence. Based on a 2013 novel of the same name by author Carl Hiaasen, the Apple TV+ series follows the story of Andrew Yancy, a former Miami Police Department turned restaurant inspector as he gets caught up in a strange crime involving a human arm and a group of eccentric characters. Bad Monkey stars Vince Vaughn in the lead roles with Natalie Martinez, Michelle Monaghan, Meredith Hagner, Charlotte Lawrence, Zach Braff, Rob Delaney, Ronald Peet, and John Ortiz starring in supporting roles. So, if you liked the eccentric characters, comedic crimes, and murder mysteries in Bad Monkey here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Death in Paradise Credit – BBC One

Death in Paradise is a British-French procedural crime comedy-drama series created by Robert Thorogood. The BBC One series follows a detective inspector from London as...

Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Only with Neil Marshall’s filmography, especially the uninspired actioner Duchess, the fall has been so drastic that one has to wonder whether he was that mighty to begin with. After a one-two punch of early aughts cult favorites in Dog Soldiers and The Descent, Marshall’s career has been on a serious downward spiral, and his latest effort — if you can even call it that, as that implies effort was put in by anyone involved — is a new low.

Duchess Review

Duchess follows a petty criminal who seeks revenge after she attempts to enter the dangerous criminal underworld of diamond smuggling. The script was written by Marshall and the film’s star Charlotte Kirk — who make up one of the most scandalous couples in Hollywood — and it’s clearly just another excuse for them to make another movie together. They’re like a...

Those About to Die ranks as the sixth most popular TV show on streaming for July 18 24. The show stars Anthony Hopkins and Iwan Rheon, with Roland Emmerich directing multiple episodes. Those About to Die has earned mixed to negative reviews for its unfocused narrative and under-developed characters.

Those About to Die has become a hit on streaming despite having a 50% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Created by Robert Rodat and featuring Roland Emmerich as the director of multiple episodes, the new epic explores the dark underbelly of how the masses were entertained in Ancient Rome, including bloody gladiator battles. The show, which stars Anthony Hopkins and Game of Thrones star Iwan Rheon, released its entire 10-episode season 1 on Peacock on July 18, but Those About to Die's reviews weren't overly positive out of the gate.

New data from Reelgood now reveals that Those About To Die ranks as the sixth most...

After a tough few years that forced Comic-Con to cancel in 2020, go virtual in 2021, and present an actor-less edition last year due to the Hollywood strikes, the fan favourite event returned in style over the weekend.

Screen looks at some of this year’s key talking points. The event ran at San Diego Convention Center from July 25.28.

Everything looking rosy at Marvel Studios, for now

Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige pulled a rabbit out of the hat on Saturday in a typically rambunctious Comic-Con panel at Hall H. Having fired Jonathan Majors, the intended star of the studio’s 2026 tentpole...

Those About to Die takes creative liberties with real history but features historical characters from ancient Rome. The show focuses on the political dynamics of the Flavian dynasty and the struggle for power among family members. Characters like Emperor Vespasian, Domitian Flavianus, Titus Flavianus, Scorpus, Berenice, and Antonia shape the narrative with historical contexts.

Peacock's Those About to Die, based on Daniel P. Mannix's 1958 book of the same name, depends on a certain amount of creative liberties taken with real history but still features several historical characters from ancient Rome. Those About to Die's narrative revolves around the real Flavian dynasty, implying how the actions of the Roman nobles affected the common people through largely fictional characters. While not much is known about specific individuals who would have been Tenax's (Iwan Rheon) or Cala's (Sara Martins) real-life counterparts, the emperor and his sons are documented historical figures.

Some...

Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including events for Deadpool & Wolverine, San Diego Comic-Con and Harold and the Purple Crayon.

Harold and the Purple Crayon special screening

Zachary Levi, Zooey Deschanel, Lil Rel Howery and Benjamin Bottani joined director Carlos Saldanha at a special Los Angeles screening for their Columbia Pictures film on Sunday.

Carlos Saldanha, Lil Rel Howery, Zooey Deschanel, Benjamin Bottani and Zachary Levi Zachary Levi, Zooey Deschanel and Tony Vinciquerra, chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment. Deadpool & Wolverine premiere

Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, Karan Soni, Matthew Macfadyen, Aaron Stanford, Brianna Hildebrand, Lewis Tan and Tyler Mane joined director Shawn Levy and producer Kevin Feige at the Marvel film’s New York premiere on Monday, with support from Blake Lively and Gigi Hadid.

Hugh Jackman, Emma...

At Sdcc, Ballroom 20 was packed for Peacock’s 2-hour showcase of its original series, Those About To Die and Teacup. Kicking off the event, fans were given an exclusive sneak peek at Peacock’s upcoming horror series, Teacup accompanied by a panel moderated by Damian Holbrook, TV Guide Magazine’s Senior Writer. Modern day master-of-horror James Wan, who is an executive producer alongside Showrunner Ian McCulloch, and stars Yvonne Strahovski, Scott Speedman and Chaske Spencer teased some of the chills, thrills and gore that audiences can expect from the series, before closing out the conversation with a new teaser that announced the October 10th premiere date.

The Those About to Die panel treated fans to a never before seen behind-the-scenes featurette and conversation moderated by Collider’s Perri Nemiroff, featuring director/executive producer Roland Emmerich and stars Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Moe Hashim, Jojo Macari, Dimitri Leonidas and Gabriella Pession.

At the San Diego Comic-Con today, Peacock took attendees behind the scenes of the gladiator epic Those About to Die. All ten episodes of the series are now streaming on Peacock.

The behind-the-scenes video dives into the Roman Empire’s explosive intersection of sports, politics, and dynasties, as featured in Those About to Die. You can watch the video here.

If you are at the San Diego Comic-Con, you can immerse yourself in the glory of Ancient Rome with Those About to Die: The Chariot Race. Step inside the betting tavern, join one of the coveted factions and experience the adrenaline thrill of the chariot race itself.

Inspired by the new Original series, Peacock’s in-world activation will bring the ancient “Circus Maximus” to life right in the Gaslamp District. Upon entry, guests will be divided into the 5 factions from the show and given the chance to whip a pair...

“Those About to Die,” Peacock’s buzzy new historical epic, brought some gladiator flare to San Diego Comic-Con with a star-studded panel.

Executive producer and director Roland Emmerich was flanked by stars Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Moe Hashim, Jojo Macari, Dimitri Leonidas and Gabriella Pession as they provided an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the drama.

Emmerich, best known for his work on larger-than-life films like “Independence Day” and “The Patriot,” explained why the series was the right move for him in a brand new featurette. “I was always fascinated by the Roman empire, and I always wanted to do something with sports. So this was a dream to tell this story,” he said.

The series is set in the corrupt world of the spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition, exploring a side of ancient Rome never before told and unveiling the dirty business of giving the mob the blood and sport they crave.

Updated with latest: San Diego Comic-Con released the full schedule for its 2024 edition, which kicks off Thursday and runs July 25-28. The annual confab is officially centered at the San Diego Convention Center, but in reality it invades the city with its army of comics, genre, movie and TV fans and cosplayers looking for the latest news.

Following a sleepy Comic-Con last year thanks to the Hollywood strikes, this year is expected to return to its usual crazy, especially with Marvel Studios back in Hall H for a pair of events: a Thursday panel devoted to Deadpool & Wolverine on the same day it opens in theaters, and a Saturday evening showcase breaking down what’s going on the the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Other marquee film and TV series that have now set panels for Comic-Con include everything from Transformers One and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power...

Chariot racing in Ancient Rome was driven by corruption and greed, with wealthy owners profiting from the races. Each chariot faction had financial backers like F1 racing teams, with well-equipped racing teams and support staff. Charioteers, like the famous Scorpus, started young and gathered fans, while factions also had fervid followings like modern sports teams.

Chariot racing is at the heart of the corruption and greed that drives the drama in Peacock's new epic series Those About to Die, and the show does a good job of showing exactly how complex Ancient Roman chariot racing teams were. Starring Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins, Iwan Rheon (Game of Thrones) and Sara Martins (Death in Paradise), Those About to Die provides an in-depth look at the gambling underworld associated with chariot racing in the Circus Maximus of Rome. That includes examining the different racing teams, how fandom worked, and how the races were executed.

Quick Links Tough Training Regime: You Need to Lose Weight Iwan Rheon Says Game of Thrones Has Nothing on This Show's Spectacle Those About to Die Shows 'A Side of Rome We Barely Saw' Gabriella Pession Unpacks the Character of Antonia

Its very epic, beamed Dimitri Leonidas of Peacocks sweeping ancient Rome saga, Those About to Die. Leonidas plays Scorpus in the series, one of the series many pivotal roles the character is the preeminent charioteer able to join any chariot team. For the right price. The epic saga features acting legend Anthony Hopkins as Emperor Vespasian, the head of the Flavian bloodline, and a man grooming his two very different sons, Titus (Tom Hughes) and Domitian (Jojo Macari), for the Imperial throne. The show is created by Robert Rodat with revered director Roland Emmerich directing about five episodes.

Hes tough and tender, Leonidas noted of working with Emmerich, who...

Too many characters make for a messy and disjointed story, lacking focus and coherence. The writing is inconsistent and the graphics can be comically bad at times. Despite its flaws, the show can still be entertaining and engaging for viewers.

Those About To Die (2024) is inspired by the 1958 non-fiction novel by Daniel P. Manni, which focuses on Ancient Rome and the era of gladiators and chariot racing. Roland Emmerich's latest project delves into the corrupt politics of these dangerous games and the cast of nefarious characters who stand to gain or lose a lot as the citizens of Rome struggle with poverty. Those About To Die is a grand spectacle bathed in blood, sweat and derivative writing. Anthony Hopkins certainly drew me in, and even if the show was extremely messy and couldn't keep my full attention, I still had fun watching.

Those About To Die (2024)

Cast Moe Hashim,...

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Iwan Rheon plays Tenax and Sara Martins plays Cala in the new historical series, Those About to Die. The actors spoke with MovieWeb's Greg Archer about working with Anthony Hopkins and recreating gladiatorial life in Ancient Rome under Roland Emmerich's direction. All episodes of Those About to Die are streaming on Peacock.

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 mostblood 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's new gladiator series Those About to Die has garnered some comparisons to HBO's Game of Thrones. Iwan Rheon, who appears in both shows, has commented on the inevitable comparisons.

Rheon and one of his co-stars, Sara Martins, opened up about Those About to Die in a new interview with Cbr's Kevin Polowy. As Roland Emmerich has also shared with Cbr how Game of Thrones was a big influence, it was only natural for the comparisons to come up. Rheon commented on how one major difference is a lack of dragons on Those About to Die along with how the new Peacock series is more directly inspired by Ancient Rome.

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Your browser does not support the video tag. All 10 episodes of Those About to Die are available on Peacock for a deep dive into the bloody gladiator battles of ancient Rome. The ensemble cast, including Iwan Rheon and Sara Martins, were drawn to the series' unique setting and complex character dynamics. Unlike Game of Thrones, this series focuses on the spectacle of sport in Roman society, offering a different perspective on historical dramas.

As of Thursday, July 18, all 10 episodes of Those About to Die are available to stream on Peacock. The epic drama is set during 79 Ad and explores the financial motives behind Rome's bloodthirsty gladiator battles and how it affected those who lived during the time period. From chariot racing to high politics, the series offers a creative take on several historical figures and provides viewers with an in-depth look at the Flavian Dynasty.

Those About to Die features a strong ensemble cast,...

In today’s episode of Bingeworthy, our TV and streaming podcast host Mike DeAngelo, keeping with the trend, ponders the Roman Empire while discussing “Those About to Die.” The Peacock series follows the many types of people who entertained the masses in the Roman Empire —from Emperors, criminals, the wealthy and powerful, down to the lowly horse wranglers. The show stars Anthony Hopkins, Iwan Rheon, Jojo Macari, Sara Martins, and more.

Continue reading ‘Those About to Die’: Roland Emmerich Talks the Roman Empire Series, Disaster Films & More [Bingeworthy Podcast] at The Playlist.

In Those About to Die, Anthony Hopkins plays real-life Roman emperor Vespasian. Vespasian is notable in real life for uniting Rome after the Year of Four Emperors. After his death (which is depicted accurately), he was succeeded by his son.

Real-life Roman emperor Vespasian's life is depicted in Peacock's Those About to Die, to a certain degree of accuracy. The streaming show is a swords-and-sandals epic that brings history to life in the same vein as classics such as Spartacus, Gladiator, and HBO's Rome. In fact, the show is based on the Daniel P. Mannix book of the same name (which was later retitled The Way of the Gladiator) that originally inspired the screenplay for Ridley Scott's Oscar-winning Gladiator, which was adapted by David Franzoni, John Logan, and William Nicholson.

The show features a robust ensemble cast that includes The Monuments Men's Dimitri Leonidas, Masters of the Air's Jojo Macari,...

Those About to Die stars a talented cast led by Anthony Hopkins, and is an intriguing swords-and-sandals epic set in ancient Rome. The series explores the seedy underworld of crime surrounding the Roman Empire's sports industry, impacting the political dealings of Emperor Vespasian and his sons. The stand-alone historical series is a blend of action and political drama with recognizable faces from Game of Thrones and Ted Lasso, among other noteworthy TV series and movies.

Iconic action director Roland Emmerich is behind Peacock's new swords-and-sandals epic series Those About to Die, which introduces a new host of characters vying for position and wealth in ancient Rome. The stand-alone historical drama is based on Daniel P. Mannix's 1958 book Those About to Die, and is set during the reign of the real Roman Emperor Vespasian circa 79 Ad. The series focuses on the seedy underworld of crime surrounding the Roman Empire's sports industry,...

Roland Emmerich makes the transition to the small screen with Those About to Die, the Independence Day director's first-ever television series. The filmmaker has opened up on why he wanted to take on the show as his first television project along with some of its Game of Thrones influences.

Those About to Die, a 10-episode series that is now streaming in full on Peacock, features an ensemble cast of characters that includes Anthony Hopkins. Emmerich, who directed and executive produced the series, spoke out about the project in a new interview with Cbr's Kevin Polowy. He first explained why he chose to venture into the Roman Empire for his first series, noting how he was enamored by the original book of the same name by Daniel P. Mannix. Emmerich also noted how he was still able to contribute a lot creatively to the story, given the way the book was written.

The Flavian dynasty saw power struggles, brutality, and dramatic twists - a significant era for ancient Rome detailed in the epic. The show offers insight into historical figures like Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian, capturing their ambitions, flaws, and fateful decisions. From Nero's chaos to Vespasian's stability, and Titus's reign followed by Domitian's controversial rule, the series delves into Roman history.

Peacock's ancient Roman epic Those About to Die surprisingly gets a lot of the true story and real history of the Flavian dynasty right. Those About to Die, with its mixed Rotten Tomato score, opens in 79 Ad during the last weeks of Emperor Vespasian's (Anthony Hopkins) reign. While things have been largely peaceful for a long time, it's clear tensions are brewing in Rome. The grain shipment from Egypt has been delayed and the people are restless. Vespasian himself is not long for the world and he must choose which of his sons,...

"It was a very sweaty day for me under the toga, and quite a nervous day," admitted Jojo Macari of shooting his first scenes with Oscar-winner Anthony Hopkins in Peacock's fascinating new epic series, Those About to Die. "Obviously, you know, this guy's a blooming legend. But also in my head, I'm like, 'Okay, I've got to go and do a scene with this guy, and he's an actor, and he wants to do a great scene too, so it's going to be okay.' At which point, Anthony walks in and comes immediately up to me and gives me a fist bump, [saying], 'How's it going, Jojo? How's it going... what's happening?'"

That's enough to set somebody at ease. Macari and Tom Hughes are among a massive all-star cast in the massive drama set in the corrupt world of spectacle-driven gladiatorial competitions. The duo play brothers Domitian and Titus,...

Rome is starving. Early into Those About to Die, as the Roman Empire reels from civil war and rebellion in Judea, running its grain stores scarce, the people’s hunger for food swells into an appetite for revolt. Rome’s rulers turn to entertainment to pacify their citizens, eventually enlisting Tenax (Iwan Rheon), the rare self-made man who’s managed to claw his way toward the city’s elite, to orchestrate arena spectacles for the public. “I grew up in those stinking stands. I know what the mob wants to see,” Tenax tells his crew toward the end of the show’s first season. “Remember: Enough is good. More is better. Too much is perfect.”

Tenax’s directive encapsulates the ethos of Those About to Die, which treats viewers to excess and indulgence befitting ancient Rome. Created by Robert Rodat and based on Daniel P. Mannix’s book of the...

Gianluca Bombardone was a beloved Italian producer and camera operator in the film community. 2.He tragically passed away at just 44 while filming a documentary in Sardinia. His work on "Those About to Die" as a camera and steadicam operator was honored with a dedication.

At the end of Peacock's Those About to Die episode 1, there's a title card dedication to someone named Gianluca Bombardone, and the story behind it is sad. Those About to Die and its cast of characters follow multiple plot lines. One follows Tenax (Iwan Rheon), a master of the criminal underground and businessman bent on bettering his plebian lot in life. Another follows Cala (Sara Martins) and her children, a Nubian family who become enslaved as servants and gladiators. Still another follows the battle of Titus (Tom Hughes) and Domitian (Jojo Macari), two brothers vying for their father's throne.

Those stories all intertwine with smaller subplots,...

For the glory of the Emperor! Peacock is set to roll out its latest original drama series, and for this one it’s turning back the clocks to ancient Rome. Its show “Those About to Die,” featuring an ensemble cast including Anthony Hopkins, Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari and more debuts on Thursday, July 18. The show will take viewers beyond the Coliseum for a closer look at the lives of gladiators, and the masters who owned them. You can stream it with a Subscription to Peacock.

How to Watch ‘Those About to Die’ Series Premiere When: Thursday, July 18 TV: Peacock Stream: Watch with a Subscription to Peacock. Sign Up $7.99+ / month peacocktv.com About ‘Those About to Die’

“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,...

Peacocks new epic ancient Rome series Those About to Die looked set to challenge the likes of House of the Dragon and possibly even Ridley Scotts upcoming sequel Gladiator II as a new go-to place for those looking for the usual mix of violence, politics, and a little sex and nudity. However, as the first wave of critical reviews landed on Rotten Tomatoes, it seems that the Anthony Hopkins-starring drama, which is directed in part by Independence Day's Roland Emmerich, isnt quite living up to its potential.

Those About to Die is a typical sword-and-sandal series that follows in the footsteps of the likes of Spartacus, bringing to life the often brutal and unsavory world of emperors and gladiators. However, this time around, the focus is shifted slightly from the mighty gladiators and their powerful overlords to the criminal underworld and darker corners of that world. However, it seems...

It was murderous, acclaimed director Roland Emmerich shared about what it was like shooting Peacocks stunning new epic series, Those About to Die. More on Emmerichs murderous comments later. For now, lets just say and its not every day we can say this Those About to Die is unlike any series weve ever seen. (Although Gladiator and Game of Thrones come close.) Bold, epic, and surpassing expectations both visually and narratively, the action-packed 10-episode series is inspired by Daniel Mannixs non-fiction book of the same name. It hits the streamer July 18.

Set in Rome in 79 Ad, the undertaking marks Emmerichs television directorial debut. Peacock is lucky to have him. He is, after all, the man behind crowd-pleasers like The Day After Tomorrow and The Patriot. Emmerich, who has long been a fan of the Roman Empire, also serves as supervising director here, and the series is yet another feat for the filmmaker.

Set at the height of the Roman Empire, Those About To Die is historical drama series from director Roland Emmerich. Created by Robert Rodat, and inspired by the nonfiction book of the same name by Daniel P. Mannix, the series will immerse viewers into the spectacular, complex, and corrupt world of chariot racing and gladiatorial fights in ancient Rome.

The cast includes multi-award winning cinema legend Sir Anthony Hopkins as Emperor Vespasian, Iwan Rheon (Game of Thrones) as Tenax, Tom Hughes as Titus Flavianus, Sara Martins as Cala, and Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson (Game of Thrones) as Viggo, Jojo Macari (Sex Education) as Domitian, Gabriella Pession (Crossing Lines) as Antonia, Dimitri Leonidas as Scorpus, Emilio Sakraya as Xenon, Moe Hashim Kwame, Rupert Penry Jones (Whitechapel) as Marsus.

HeyUGuys chatted to the cast about their experience working on the hotly anticipated series on set in Italy and about how much they all knew about that particular era.

In most promos for Peacock’s new 10-part drama Those About to Die, Anthony Hopkins gazes out like a gnarled marble bust brought partially to life. Even the commercials that acknowledge that the series is perhaps a bit more of an ensemble piece feature the multiple Oscar winner in a badly photoshopped human pyramid, the recognizable pinnacle atop a promotional Eye of Providence.

It is more a service than a spoiler to decry this blatant bait-and-switch. While there may or may not be other reasons to watch Those About to Die, I can clarify: For a small number of episodes, Hopkins is perhaps the 10th or 12th most important part of the ensemble and for the rest of the series he doesn’t even rise to that level.

There is surely a story of some sort that explains or justifies how Hopkins came to be involved in the first place.

Those About to Die explores ancient Rome's brutal gladiatorial world through diverse characters and high production value. The series features a star-studded ensemble cast, including Anthony Hopkins and Iwan Rheon, promising a gripping narrative. Premiering on Peacock, this ten-episode series with a budget of $150+ million will drop all episodes for a binge-worthy experience.

Those About to Die's epic story of blood and sport is fast approaching. Adapted from Daniel P. Mannix's 1958 novel of the same name, the series sets out to uncover ancient Rome's brutal business of gladiatorial competition. Co-directed by Roland Emmerich and Marco Kreuzpaintner, Those About to Die will explore this facet of Roman entertainment, which comprises complex notions of sport, politics, and dynasties, through the perspective of characters from all walks of Roman life. The ensemble will feature TV notables, such as Game of Thrones' Iwan Rheon and Vikings: Valhalla's Jhannes Haukur Jhannesson, two-time Oscar-winner Anthony Hopkins,...

“Now I am ready to become a god,” says Anthony Hopkins as the Emperor Vespasian in the Roland Emmerich-directed Those About to Die.

Of course, as ruler of Rome in the year 79 Ce, the victor of the infamous Year of the Four Emperors was for all practical purposes a god on Earth. Which makes the portrayal of the former general who built what we now call the Colosseum by an 86-year-old Welshman widely considered our greatest living actor all the more fitting.

“It was a big, big production,” Hopkins says of the epic-scale July 18-launching series on Peacock from the Independence Day helmer. “It’s good.”

In fact, as the NBCUniversal streamer prepares for the Paris Olympics later this month, the 10-espiode first season of Those About to Die puts the power and prestige of competition into a grand perspective. A gladiatorial perspective that offers with a cast including Game of Thrones vet Iwan Rheon,...

Your browser does not support the video tag. All 10 episodes of Those About to Die drop on Peacock on July 18, offering a gritty look at Rome's gladiator competitions. Stars like Anthony Hopkins and Iwan Rheon bring characters with diverse backgrounds and impressive skills to life. Real animals feature in the show, offering a unique experience for actors Hashim and Jhannesson who formed a strong friendship on set.

All 10 episodes of Peacock's historical drama, Those About to Die, will drop on the streaming service on Thursday, July 18. The series is set during 79 Ad and centers around Rome's infamous gladiator competitions, as well as the fortunes the city spent on funding them. It stars Anthony Hopkins, Game of Thrones' Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, Moe Hashim, Jhannes Haukur Jhannesson, Rupert Penry-Jones, Gabriella Pession, Dimitri Leonidas, and Emilio Sakraya.

Hashim is most well known for portraying Moe Bumbercatch in Ted Lasso,...

Your browser does not support the video tag. Emmerich's TV debut explores the financial side of ancient Rome's brutal competitions, shocking reveal about sports spending. Emmerich's interest in Roman Empire led to new perspectives on modern sports spending, reflecting on the Roman influence. Watch "Those About to Die" on Peacock for a gripping drama on rivalries, politics, and the dark side of Roman entertainment.

Roland Emmerich's television directional debut, Those About to Die, will be available to stream on Peacock beginning Thursday, July 18. The series is an epic drama set in ancient Rome and zeroes in on the financial motivation behind some of history's most brutal competitions. Anthony Hopkins, Game of Thrones star Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, Moe Hashim, Jhannes Haukur Jhannesson, Rupert Penry-Jones, Gabriella Pession, Dimitri Leonidas, and Emilio Sakraya are all included in the ensemble cast.

Emmerich is most well-known for blockbuster films...

This article appears in the new issue of Den Of Geek magazine. You can read all of our magazine stories here.

“You see what that is?” Those About to Die writer Robert Rodat asks, angling his Zoom window towards a portrait on the wall of his New Hampshire home. It’s a painting of men in horse-drawn chariots racing across a dusty track.

“Circus Maximus,” Rodat says. “I bought that thing for like five bucks—I can’t even guess how many decades ago—at a yard sale. I’ve had a super-longstanding interest in the late [Roman] Republic. If I told you how many books I’ve read about it, you’d say I’m insane or a liar.”

Peacock gladiator series Those About to Die isn’t exactly about the late Roman Republic but it’s close enough for Rodat’s tastes. Like another swords-and-sandals project of note (Ridley Scott...

San Diego Comic-Con has rolled out its schedule for the 2024 convention this week, which runs from July 25–28. For the first time since 2019, Sdcc will unfold without a virtual event, pandemic protocols or labor strike cancelations, marking a return to normal of sorts for the largest annual fan gathering in North America.

Several major franchises will make an appearance at the event, including panels for Marvel Studios, “Star Trek,” “The Penguin,” “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” the “Walking Dead” franchise, “Transformers One,” “Alien: Romulus,” “The Boys” and “Doctor Who.” Here are the highlights, with descriptions from Sdcc and/or the panel sponsors. All times are Pacific Daylight.

Thursday, July 25

11:45am – 12:45pm — “Transformers One” — Paramount Animation and Hasbro Entertainment bring a panel discussion and exclusive footage presentation to fans with talent Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Keegan-Michael Key, along with the director, Academy Award-winner Josh Cooley,...

Peacock invites you to take a behind-the-scenes look at Roland Emmerich’s Those About to Die and an exclusive Sneak-Peek at Atomic Monster’s Teacup to take place during Peacock’s Back-to-Back Panel Block on Thursday, July 25 in Ballroom 20!

Thursday, July 25 – Sunday, July 28:

Those About To Die: The Chariot Race

Immerse yourself in the glory of Ancient Rome at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 with Peacock’s “Those About To Die: The Chariot Race.” Step inside the betting tavern, join one of the coveted factions and experience the adrenaline thrill of the chariot race itself. Inspired by the new Original series, Peacock’s in-world activation will bring the ancient “Circus Maximus” to life right in the Gaslamp District. Upon entry, guests will be divided into the 5 factions from the show and given the chance to whip a pair of reins to power their team’s chariot to victory.

The activation...

Game of Thrones fans might recognize Iwan Rheon for his star-making turn as Ramsay Bolton, but his latest role is as Tenax, a mobster in ancient Rome, in the new series Those About To Die. His co-star Sara Martins plays Cala, a trader hoping to rescue her son who was sold into the world of gladiators.

We at FandomWire got to speak with Rheon and Martins about their roles in Those About To Die and the complexity of their characters. Check out the full interview here:

Those About To Die — Episode 101 — Pictured: Iwan Rheon as Tenax— (Photo by: Reiner Bajo/Peacock)

Those About To Die Interview

FandomWire: So I think the fact that the two of you are paired together is fascinating because Mr. Rheon, you’re one of the most morally ambiguous characters in Those About To Die, and Ms. Martins, you’re one of the more morally righteous characters.

Take a look at more footage from “Those About To Die”, the 10-episode live-action ‘gladiator’ TV series, directed by Roland Emmerich and Marco Kreuzpaintner, starring Anthony Hopkins, Dimitri Leonidas, Jojo Macari, Gabriella Pession, Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Moe Hashim and Tom Hughes, streaming July 18, 2024 on Peacock:

“…the series chronicles daily life…

“….and death, in Ancient Rome…”

Click the images to enlarge…...

International distributor Eccho Rights will be handling first window sales throughout Central and Eastern Europe on the Roland Emmerich-directed ancient Rome series “Those About to Die,” starring Anthony Hopkins as as Emperor Vespasian.

The Stockholm-headquartered Eccho Rights – which is owned by German investment and co-production outfit Night Train Media, headed by Herbert L. Kloiber – will be launching regional sales at the NATPE Budapest market later this month on the hotly anticipated 10-episode gladiator show.

The first season of “Those About to Die” is set to drop July 18 on Peacock in the U.S., as previously announced. The show is a Peacock Original and the streamer’s biggest budget production to date.

Eccho Rights will also be handling second window sales on “Those About to Die” in several unspecified Western European territories, according to a statement. An Eccho rep declined to specify on which Western European territories they have the second window rights.

Prime Video has debuted the trailer for the historical drama series ‘Those About To Die.’

Panem et Circenses – Bread and Entertainment; Rome in 79 A.D.: The centre of the Roman Empire is the wealthiest city in the world, and there is a heavy influx of slave labourers from the growing empire to take over the work. The Roman population—bored, restless, and increasingly violent—is kept in line mainly by two things: free food and spectacular entertainment, in the form of chariot racing and gladiator fights.

The series delves into the world of the games—a world characterized by bloodlust, greed for money, the pursuit of power, and corruption. The races at Circus Maximus are controlled by four Patrician-owned corporations, the Blue, Red, White, and Green factions, and shares in the four factions are the most valuable things in Rome. As the taste in entertainment of the populace becomes more jaded and bloodthirsty,...

With House Of The Dragon Season 2 right around the corner (and Season 3 just confirmed) over at Sky, and Shōgun armouring up for future series on Disney+ too, Peacock is preparing to enter the prestige epic fray with sprawling gladiator drama Those About To Die. Based on Daniel P. Mannix's same-named non-fiction book, the new series, created by Saving Private Ryan writer Robert Rodat, has some serious heavyweight talent behind it too. Blockbuster veteran Roland Emmerich is directing the show, whilst Sir Anthony Hopkins and Game Of Thrones star Iwan Rheon lead a heavyweight ensemble as Roman Emperor Vespasian and Master of Games Tenax. Check out the spectacular first trailer for the show below;

Chariot races? Check. Arena battles? Check. Plotting, scheming, uprisings, and downfalls? Check, check, check, and check. Are you not entertained? Oops, wrong franchise! Anywho, inevitable Gladiator comparisons aside, Rodat and Emmerich's swords-and-sandals epic certainly looks to...

Take a look at more footage from “Those About To Die”, the 10-episode live-action ‘gladiator’ TV series, directed by Roland Emmerich and Marco Kreuzpaintner, starring Anthony Hopkins, Dimitri Leonidas, Jojo Macari, Gabriella Pession, Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Moe Hashim and Tom Hughes, streaming July 18, 2024 on Peacock:

“…the series chronicles daily life…

“….and death, in Ancient Rome…”

Click the images to enlarge…...

Peacock has released the official trailer for their upcoming epic historical series Those About to Die. The trailer showcases Anthony Hopkins' performance as real-life Roman Emperor Vespasian. The show provides Hopkins with a new complicated character that is reminiscent of some of his most memorable roles.

The Those About to Die trailer reveals a closer look at the Anthony Hopkins-led swords and sandals show. The upcoming Peacock series is based on the 1958 Daniel P. Mannix book of the same name, which was also the inspiration for Ridley Scott's Gladiator and the upcoming Gladiator 2. Directors Roland Emmerich and Marco Kreuzpaintner helmed the 10-episode first season of the show, which features an ensemble cast that includes Hopkins, Dimitri Leonidas, Jojo Macari, Gabriella Pession, Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Moe Hashim, and Tom Hughes.

Peacock has now shared the official trailer for Those About to Die. Check it out below:

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Are you not entertained? You will be when you watch Peacock’s Those About to Die trailer. The new series revolves around gladiatorial combat, political upheaval, and deception lurking around every piss-soaked corner of an evolving empire. Peacock‘s Those About to Die series hails from director/executive producer Roland Emmerich, who details his passion for the project in today’s press release and shares its origin.

“I have always been fascinated by the history of the Roman Empire. So much still seems relevant for our society today – from the entanglement of politics and sports to the disciplines of the competitions, which haven’t changed much either over the last 2000 years. The most electrifying spectacles for the masses still involve two men in an arena, beating each other up, and the chariots of today are called race cars whose drivers still crash and often pay with their lives,” Emmerich writes.