“Those About to Die” is an upcoming epic sword-and-sandal television series that promises to captivate audiences with its grand scale and historical drama. Developed by the acclaimed Robert Rodat, known for his work on “Saving Private Ryan,” and directed by cinematic visionaries Roland Emmerich, famed for “Independence Day” and “The Day After Tomorrow,” and Marco Kreuzpaintner, noted for “Trade” and “Beat,” this series is set to be a monumental addition to the historical drama genre. The series is set to premiere on July 18, 2024, on Peacock with all 10 episodes.
Overview of “Those About to Die” TV Series (2024)
Set against the backdrop of ancient Rome, “Those About to Die” delves into the intricate and turbulent world of the Roman Empire. The series offers a rich tapestry of political intrigue, brutal gladiatorial combats, and the complex societal dynamics that defined one of history’s most fascinating eras. With a keen eye for historical detail and epic storytelling, the show aims to transport viewers back in time, immersing them in the grandeur and grit of Rome.
Genre: Epic drama | Sword-and-sandal
Based on: “Those About to Die” by Daniel P. Mannix
Rise or die.
Written by: Robert Rodat
Directed by: Roland Emmerich | Marco Kreuzpaintner
Country of Origin: United States | Germany | Italy
Original Languages: English | Italian | German
Release date: July 18, 2024 (United States)
Also known as: Обреченные на славу
Total Episodes: 10
Executive Producers: Roland Emmerich, Robert Rodat, Gianni Nunnari, Harald Kloser, Marco Kreuzpaintner, Oliver Berben, Herbert G. Kloiber, Martin Moszkowicz, Jonas Bauer, Stuart Ford, Lourdes Diaz, & Charles Holland
Production Companies: Centropolis Television, Hollywood Gang Productions, Street Entertainment, High-End Productions, Constantin Television, & AGC Television
Network: Peacock (United States) | Amazon Prime Video (International)
Storyline of “Those About to Die” TV Series (2024)
“Those About to Die” unveils the complex world of Rome’s gladiatorial games, blending politics, economics, and survival. It follows gladiators like the veteran fighter (Daniel Stisen) and the ambitious newcomer (Jojo Macari), showcasing their intense training and personal struggles. The behind-the-scenes machinations of arena organizers, including the cunning lanista (Iwan Rheon) and conflicted arena official (Gabriella Pession), reveal the corruption within the bloodsport industry.
The series “Those About to Die” also explores political intrigue, with Anthony Hopkins portraying a powerful senator manipulating the games for political gain. It delves into the socio-economic factors driving the Roman mob’s thirst for violent spectacles, painting a vivid picture of a city consumed by its obsession with blood and entertainment.
Cast & Characters
List down the complete cast and characters who played a role in the TV series “Those About to Die” (2024).
- Anthony Hopkins as Vespasian
- Dimitri Leonidas as Scorpus
- Jojo Macari as Domitian Flavianus
- Gabriella Pession as Antonia
- Iwan Rheon as Tenax
- Sara Martins-Court as Cala
- Moe Hashim as Kwame
- David Wurawa as Gavros
- Tom Hughes as Titus Flavianus
- Lara Wolf as Berenice
- Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Viggo
- Adrian Bouchet as Porto
- Rupert Penry-Jones as Marsus
- Angeliqa Devi as Caltonia
- Eneko Sagardoy
- Pepe Barroso
- Gonçalo Almeida
- Davide Tucci as Manilius
- Kyshan Wilson as Aura
- Alicia Edogamhe
- Michael Maggi as Rufus
- Hossein Taheri as Abbas
- Thomas Hunt as Lucius
- Clelia Zanini as Marcia
- Christopher Ward as Tiones
- Mohammad Bakri as Farid
- Emilio Sakraya as Xenon
- Romana Maggiora Vergano
Here are details about some major characters for better understanding.
Gabriella Pession as Antonia
Gabriella Pession is an Italian actress known for her versatile roles in film and television. She has garnered recognition for her performances in both Italian and international productions. Pession’s career highlights include starring in the crime drama series “Crossing Lines” and the Italian medical drama “Rosy Abate.” She has also appeared in films such as “The Fifth Wheel” and “The Informant.” Known for her charismatic presence and compelling performances, Gabriella Pession continues to captivate audiences with her talent and range on screen.
Iwan Rheon as Tenax
Iwan Rheon is a Welsh actor and musician known for his diverse roles in television, film, and theater. He gained widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Ramsay Bolton in the hit series “Game of Thrones.” Rheon’s career also includes notable roles in “Misfits,” “Riviera,” and “Inhumans.” As Tenax in the series “Those About To Die,” Rheon brings his talent for portraying complex characters to the fore, showcasing his versatility and skill in intense and dramatic roles. Off-screen, he is recognized for his musical talents, having released several albums and performed in various venues.
Sara Martins-Court as Cala
Sara Martins is a Portuguese-born French actress of Cape Verdean descent, known for her standout roles in film, television, and theater. She gained fame as Detective Sergeant Camille Bordey in “Death in Paradise,” filmed in Guadeloupe. Raised in France from a young age, Martins broke barriers by becoming the first person of African descent to join the Lyon Opera before pursuing acting. Fluent in multiple languages, including English, she continues to shine with her versatile performances and dedication to her craft.
Giulia Nunnari as Vestal Virgin
Giulia Nunnari is a respected film producer known for her involvement in diverse projects spanning various genres. She has notably contributed to films like “Those About to Die” (2024), exploring the complexities of Rome’s gladiatorial games, along with other works such as “You Shouldn’t Have Let Me In” (2024) and “Ryan’s Rhapsody” (2015). Nunnari’s career is characterized by a dedication to quality storytelling and collaboration with talented industry professionals.
Gonçalo Almeida as Elia
Gonçalo Almeida is a Portuguese actor recognized for his roles in theater, television, and film. He stars as “Elia” in the series “Those About To Die,” directed by Roland Emmerich and Marco Kreuzpaintner, filmed at Cinecitta studios in Rome. His diverse credits include theater productions like “O Coração de Um Pugilista,” and prominent roles in Portuguese TV series such as “Esperança” and “Amor Amor 2.” Almeida completed his Acting Course at the Cascais Professional Theatre School, showcasing his dedication to his craft.
Kyle Rowe as Ehud
Kyle Rowe is an actor known for his roles in a variety of films, including “Raven’s Hollow” (2022), “The Devil’s Hour” (2022), and “The Brothers Grimsby” (2016). His performances showcase his versatility across different genres and his ability to portray diverse characters. Rowe’s work reflects a dedication to his craft and a commitment to bringing depth and authenticity to his roles on screen.
Angeliqa Devi as Caltonia
Angeliqa Devi is a Canadian-British actress of South Asian descent, known for her work in film and television. She studied acting in Ottawa and holds a PhD in history from London. Currently dividing her time between Italy and the UK, Devi explores themes of gender-based violence and the concept of home in her projects. In 2021, she gained attention for her experimental short film “A Fairy Tale,” which delves into these thought-provoking themes central to her career and artistic exploration.
Lara Wolf as Berenice
Lara Dalileh Wolf is a Persian-Swiss actress and singer based in Los Angeles, New York, and Zurich. Fluent in English, German, and Farsi, with proficiency in Italian and French, she holds an MSc in Psychology from the University of Zurich and trained at the Lee Strasberg Theater & Film Institute in NYC. Lara is known for her role as Princess Nour on ABC’s “Quantico” and will soon appear as Queen Berenice in the Peacock series “Those About To Die.” Her upcoming projects include starring roles in “Reading Lolita In Tehran” and “The Performance,” showcasing her versatility and skill across diverse genres and characters.
Production of “Those About to Die” TV Series (2024)
In July 2022, Peacock announced a series order for a new project written by Robert Rodat and directed by Roland Emmerich. With a substantial budget of $140 million, production was slated to commence in early 2023.
Anthony Hopkins was confirmed for a role in January 2023, followed by Dimitri Leonidas, Gabriella Pession, Lorenzo Richelmy, and Tom Hughes joining in February. Marco Kreuzpaintner joined Emmerich as a director. Filming began at Cinecittà in Rome in March, with Iwan Rheon later announced to replace Lorenzo Richelmy in the cast.
Conclusion
“Those About to Die” is set to redefine historical drama with its epic portrayal of ancient Rome, helmed by directors Roland Emmerich and Marco Kreuzpaintner. Featuring a stellar cast including Anthony Hopkins and Iwan Rheon, the series promises thrilling gladiatorial spectacles and intricate political intrigue. With a $140 million budget and filming at Cinecittà in Rome, it’s poised to captivate viewers with its grand scale and compelling narratives.
Stay tuned for this Peacock series “Those About to Die” which blends power, survival, and human drama in a mesmerizing tale of an ancient civilization.