At a time when fans can't get enough of
historical dramas
, comes another one set in
ancient Rome
, titled 'Those About To Die'. Based on the eponymous 1958 book by Daniel P. Mannix, the upcoming series explores the reign of
Vespasian
, a former army general who sought to restore order in Rome after the city was nearly reduced to ashes during the deranged and decadent rule of Nero.
The series, which inspired Gladiator screenwriter
David Franzoni
, promises to offer a deep dive into this tumultuous period of history. There to lead the way is Hollywood veteran
Anthony Hopkins
.
With the series set for its release on July 19, the star shares his reflections on the parallels between ancient Rome and the modern world. "Bread and circuses, hey? Look this way!" says Hopkins and adds, "It was the same as in today's
political climate
, where you have nothing but distractions. The movie industry, the red carpet ... entertainment, entertainment, entertainment. You can get too many films now. Fluff! And you are hooked. It takes you away from the pain of living in political chaos."
Hopkins expresses admiration for his character, Vespasian. He jokes about his own schooldays, admitting, "I tried to read Gibbon's Decline and Fall [of the Roman Empire]. Impossible! So I had to get 'Gibbon for simpletons'."
Hopkins' portrayal of the complex emperor Vespasian promises a nuanced exploration of this fascinating period. Opening up about his character, he says, "Vespasian was, I think, a strong soldier, a man of justice determined to make Rome a decent place after Nero had left it in a mess of backstabbing and all of that. Awful. The place was in its death throes. So he came along and said, right, let's put it back on track. He was a pragmatist. He knuckled down to fiscal reforms and acts of consolidation. He had two sons and told them to behave, to get on with it. But their dynamic was always going to unleash the scorpions of jealousy."
From the political machinations to the bloody spectacles in the arena, 'Those About to Die' is set to be a must-watch for history buffs and fans of epic dramas. Directed by Roland Emmerich, the Prime Video series also stars
Iwan Rheon
, Rupert Penry-Jones, and Sara Martins.
English (US) ·