The upcoming television series ‘Those About to Die’ is headed to Prime Video in the UK, exploring the world of gladiators in Ancient Rome. It is developed by Robert Rodat, and directed by Roland Emmerich and Marco Kreuzpaintner. Emmerich and Rodat also serve as executive producers on the project.
Rodat is a producer, writer and Academy Award nominee for Best Original Screenplay on Saving Private Ryan. Emmerich is a director, writer and producer, whose previous work includes Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow and White House Down.
The show will air on Peacock in the US. ‘Those About to Die’ is one of few shows available to watch on different streaming services outside of the US, despite the fact that Peacock TV is available in the UK. The first season of the show contains ten episodes.
The show will be available to stream exclusively on Prime in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Ireland, Poland, Turkey, Andorra, Luxembourg, Belgium and Monaco. Negotiations are still ongoing for the free TV rights outside of Prime Video’s exclusive distribution window.
The series stars Anthony Hopkins as Emperor Vespasian, who ruled Ancient Rome from 69 - 79. Vespasian was the fourth and final emperor to rule during the Year of the Four Emperors. Anthony Hopkins is a two-time Academy Award winning actor, receiving the honours for his performances in The Silence of the Lambs and The Father.
Dimitri Leonidas (Riviera) plays Scorpus, with Jojo Macari (Sex Education) as Domitian Flavianus and Italian actress Gabriella Pession as Antonia. Iwan Rheon (Game of Thrones, Misfits) plays Tenax, with Tom Hughes (The English) as Titus Flavianus, Vespasian’s son who eventually took over as Emperor in 79 AD.
The series is set in 79 AD Rome. As the Roman people grew restless and violent, gladiator fights and chariot racing were used as entertainment to appease the crowds. ‘Those About to Die’ takes place at the height of the Roman Empire, as crowds flock to watch the races at Circus Maximus. With the city crying out for more bloodlusting spectacle, a stadium fit for the gladiator games was required, and the Colosseum was created.
The series is based on Daniel P. Mannix’s 1958 book ‘Those About to Die’, which was also the inspiration for Ridley Scott’s 2000 movie Gladiator. It is produced by Constantin Film, High End Productions, Hollywood Gang Productions, Street Entertainment and AGC Television.