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ITV’s Big London TV Screenings

ITV Studios has announced a series of international sales for the hit detective comedy “Ludwig,” which will air in 85 markets worldwide. Produced by Big Talk Studios and co-produced with That Mitchell and Webb Company, the series was the BBC’s biggest new scripted show of 2024, attracting over 9.5 million viewers. The show has been acquired by major broadcasters, including Zdf in Germany, Svt in Sweden, and BBC First in Africa. In the Asia Pacific region, “Ludwig” will premiere in Australia, New Zealand and Japan, among other territories. Season one will debut in the U.S. and Canada on BritBox on March 20.

ITV Studios and Zhejiang Media Group have partnered to co-develop unscripted content for local and global markets. With Zhejiang’s expertise in high-end non-scripted shows and ITV’s global reach through hits like “The Voice” and “Hell’s Kitchen,” the collaboration aims to create fresh formats.

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American Primeval is a Western thriller drama series created by Mark L. Smith. The Netflix series is set in 1857 during the Utah War, and it revolves around the violent feuds and schemes to gain control over the American West. American Primeval stars Taylor Kitsch, Betty Gilpin, Dane DeHaan, Saura Lightfoot-Leon, Derek Hinkey, Joe Tippett, Jai Courtney, Preston Mota, Shawnee Pourier, and Shea Whigham. So, if you loved the gritty Western backdrop, thrilling story, and compelling characters in American Primeval, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Hell on Wheels Credit – AMC

Hell on Wheels is a Western thriller drama series created by Joe and Tony Gayton. The AMC series follows Cullen Bohannon, a former Confederate soldier who joins the railroad construction to find the Union soldiers who killed his wife and son during the Civil War.

In the years since he was first cast as Starfleet officer William T. Riker on "Star Trek: The Next Generation," Jonathan Frakes has become an integral part of the "Star Trek" franchise not only as an actor but also as a director, shaping things behind-the-scenes. Back when the role was being cast in the late 1980s, however, Frakes wasn't the first pick for the roguishly handsome first officer. In fact, he was actually up against some other very talented performers.

In the end, though, it all worked out and Frakes ended up playing the guy who simply cannot sit in a chair the way it was designed (as "Star Trek: Lower Decks" once poked fun at). Still, things could have been very different on "The Next Generation" if one of the other actors in the running had secured the part. In fact, the person who almost took the role and...

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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The Empress is a German historical romantic drama series created by Katharina Eyssen. Based on the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, the Netflix series follows Elisabeth of Bavaria as she falls for and marries the Emperor Franz of Austria. This marriage pushes Elisabeth into the stressful life of an Empress. What started as a love story becomes so much more as time goes on, and the duties of the Emperor and Empress begin to create distance between Elisabeth and Franz. We see Elisabeth fall in love, deal with the consequences of being an Empress, and put Royal duties first to become a beloved Royal figure among her subjects. The Empress stars Devrim Lingnau, Philip Froissant, Melika Foroutan, Johannes Nussbaum, and Elisa Schlott. So, if you loved the royal intrigue, historical drama, and compelling characters in The Empress,...

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The Agency is a spy thriller drama series created by Jez and John-Henry Butterworth. Based on the French series The Bureau by Eric Rochant, the Showtime series follows Martian, a covert CIA agent who had been undercover for six years but is suddenly ordered to abandon his cover and return to London station to continue his work. When the love he left behind with his cover reappears in London, suspicions arise. The Agency stars Michael Fassbender, Jeffrey Wright, Jodie Turner-Smith, Katherine Waterston, Harriet Sansom Harris, Richard Gere, and John Magaro. So, if you love the intensely thrilling plot, nail-biting drama, and compelling characters in The Agency, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

The Game (Rent on Prime Video) Credit – BBC America

The Game is a Cold War spy thriller drama series created by Toby Whithouse.

A Discovery of Witches is taking on a new life after its addition to Netflix in the U.S, with its fantastical story prompting many viewers to wonder about the real history behind the series. The show offers a dramatic look at a world that has a secret supernatural underbelly, complete with longstanding political battles between witches, vampires, and daemons on their governing board, The Congregation. The show tackles very human themes through a supernatural lens, occasionally shedding some light on actual historical events. A perfect example of this is the School of Night.

The School of Night in A Discovery of Witches is explored when the show's story travels back to Elizabethan England. After tragically losing her parents as a child (and being spellbound) prevents her magic from awakening until adulthood, Diana realizes she needs to learn to wield her powers wisely. As it turns out, she is one...

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.

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...

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...

Spoilers are ahead for Those About to Die's season 1 finale.

Those About to Die takes creative liberties with historical figures' lives, making it a sometimes-entertaining but inaccurate portrayal of ancient Rome. The series prioritizes sensationalized realism over historical accuracy. Characters like Tenax are purely fictional, adding drama but undermining the show's accuracy in depicting how Roman history actually unfolded.

Based on Daniel P. Mannix's 1958 book of the same name, Those About to Die is far from the most historically accurate portrayal of ancient Rome. Like its source material, Peacock's epic swords-and-sandals series prioritizes sensationalized realism over straight-forward historical accuracy, which isn't necessarily a shock for a big-budget Hollywood production. Set during the fledgling decade of the Flavian empire, Those About to Die's 10-episode first season cost a staggering $140 million to make, and is much more akin to a Game of Thrones replacement than a painstaking account of Rome's bread and circus days.

Those About to Die is an epic sword-and-sandal historical drama series created by Robert Rodat. Based on the 1958 novel of the same name by author Daniel P. Mannix, the Peacock series revolves around the lives of the gladiators and citizens of the Roman Empire in Ancient Rome, where violence, greed, and lust run rampant. Those About to Die stars Anthony Hopkins, Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins-Court, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, Moe Hashim, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Rupert Penry-Jones, Gabriella Pession, Dimitri Leonidas, and Emilio Sakraya. So, if you loved the epic fights, brutal violence, and historical drama in Those About to Die here are some similar shows you could watch next.

Rome (Max & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – HBO

Rome is a historical drama series created by John Milius, William J. MacDonald, and Bruno Heller. The HBO series is set in the 1st century BC during Ancient Rome’s transition from Republic to Empire,...

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,...

Those About to Die, Peacock’s latest extravaganza, has a stacked cast led by none other than the legendary Anthony Hopkins, along with Iwan Rheon (who played the infamous Ramsay Bolton in HBO’s Game of Thrones). The sword and sandal epic pits its colorful characters against each other, with them having different sets of ambitions and motives. In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at the cast and the characters they’re playing.

Vespasian

Hopkins plays the ailing emperor Vespasian with all his charisma. He doesn’t have much to do other than waving at the crowd, announcing the commencement of the games, and showing his disappointment at the state of Rome. The most important thing he does in the show is choose his successor, which happens to be his elder son, Titus. Vespasian’s death comes sooner than you expect, which only means Hopkins’ screen time is very limited.

A corrupt Roman underworld surrounds Emperor Vespasian's gladiatorial spectacles in Peacock's Those About To Die. Emperor Vespasian's sons, Titus and Domitian, vie for power with schemes and betrayal as tensions rise in Rome. Characters like gladiator Kwame, trader Cala, and crime boss Tenax navigate power shifts in a bloody finale.

Peacock's new historical drama Those About To Die introduces viewers to the corrupt and violent underworld that surrounded Rome's gladiatorial spectacles during the reign of Emperor Vespasian and his sons. Those About To Die stars an ensemble cast led by Sir Anthony Hopkins as Emperor Vespasian, and includes story lines that cover each level of Roman society, from the gladiator and slave trade to the machinations of the highest political powers.

Set in the year 79 Ad, Emperor Vespasian is at the end of his life at the opening of Those About To Die. His sons Titus (Tom Hughes) and Domitian...

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, which was filmed in Rome's Cinecitt Studios, offers a gritty look at Ancient Roman gladiators' harsh lives. Producers aimed for authenticity, collaborating with Italian museums to create accurate period replicas. Peacock's epic series displaced Gladiator 2 by booking Cinecitt Studios for its production.

Peacock's newest series, the sword-and-sandal epic Those About to Die, has marathon viewers wondering where the 10-episode gladiator show was filmed. Directed by Hollywood's so-called "master of disaster" Roland Emmerich (Independence Day) and penned by BAFTA winner Marco Kreuzpaintner (Bodies), Those About to Die adapts Daniel P. Mannix's bestselling 1958 book of the same name. Funnily enough, Mannix's Those About to Die novel (later retitled The Way of the Gladiator) was one of the key inspirations for Ridley Scott's Gladiator (2000), which makes the adaptation's debut mere months before Gladiator 2 a fun bit of serendipity.

Those About to Die chronicles the rather...

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,...

Every streamer gets the “Game of Thrones” copycat it deserves. HBO, the original house of the dragons, can lay claim to an official prequel series that’s slavishly devoted to its predecessor. Prime Video, which would be the Scrooge McDuck of streaming if not for Apple TV+, can spend all of McBezos’ money rebooting “The Lord of the Rings,” yet still end up with a naggingly laborious “Rings of Power.” Netflix, always happier to buy talent than develop good ideas, hired “Game of Thrones” showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss to turn a “3 Body Problem” into a three-season snooze (replete with problems that plagued their last few seasons in Westeros).

There are others — some, even, quite successful — but let’s steer our dragons toward the latest attempt: Peacock’s “Those About to Die” leans on epic political machinations, brutal violence, and cold, calculating characters to sell its saturated vision of...

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,...

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...

Episodes viewed: 10 of 10

Streaming on: Prime Video

Ancient Rome is a screenwriter’s dream. Constantly murdering, overthrowing and cheating on each other, they lived as if conscious of supplying plot for future entertainment. This expensively trashy swords-and-sandals effort is stuffed with potential melodrama — often based on fact — but sadly it seems most interested in its dullest elements.

Developed by Robert Rodat, based on Daniel P. Mannix’s book, it’s set in 79 Ad, a time when the Roman empire is looking shaky. To distract from grubby living standards and streets filled with violence, Emperor Vespasian (Anthony Hopkins) entertains his people with chariot-racing and gladiatorial battle. The arena, the Circus Maximus, is also where the city’s most powerful wrestle for control, and betting-shop owner Tenax (Iwan Rheon) manipulates everyone. As Roman society fragments, Vespasian is fretting about which son will succeed him: militarily decorated but cerebrally mediocre Titus (Tom Hughes...

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,...

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.

I went into Those About To Die, the latest big-budget effort by Peacock to convince people to watch something other than The Office on it, not really knowing what to expect; though I certainly had my hopes. Given the Ancient Roman setting, I hoped to see epic gladiator battles and chariot races and a fresh take on this particular period in history. And given the involvement of Roland Emmerich, I was hoping said fresh take would be enjoyably nonsensical a la his 2011 film Anonymous.

The end result is only about half of what I was hoping for. While the production values and action sequences are impressive and often entertaining, the actual story and characters that make up a bulk of the show’s runtime leave something to be desired. There isn’t much of a narrative hook or character dynamics to latch onto; and as such, it often ends up...

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.

Plot: 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.

Review: The recent release of the Gladiator II trailer proves that the spectacle and grandeur of the Roman Empire make for fascinating storytelling. Influenced by epics like Spartacus, Cleopatra, and Ben-Hur, the arenas and gladiatorial combat have rarely been as good as they have been on the big screen. Returning to the book that inspired David Franzoni’s initial script for Ridley Scott’s 2000 Best Picture-winning feature film, Those About To Die takes a deeper dive into the politics and machinations of Rome during the first century.

The runaway success of HBO’s Game of Thrones inspired a flood of big-budget epics from History’s Vikings to Amazon’s Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, but few of those shows have been able to match its combination of awe-inspiring action and Shakespearean drama. The latest to try is the Roman gladiator drama Those About to Die, premiering this Thursday on Peacock, which is clearly going for an ancient Rome-meets-Westeros vibe. (I’ve seen the first three episodes.) It seems to have learned all the wrong lessons from Thrones, though, leaning heavily on violence and nudity...

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,...

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...

Your browser does not support the video tag. All 10 episodes of Those About to Die will be available to stream on Peacock starting July 18. The series explores the violent competitions hosted by the Roman Empire in 79 Ad. Tom Hughes and Jojo Macari play brothers with a complex dynamic as they vie for power in the Flavian bloodline.

Those About to Die is a new historical drama inspired by Daniel Mannix's non-fiction book of the same name. All ten 60-minute episodes will be available to stream on Peacock starting Thursday, July 18. The series serves as Roland Emmerich's (Independence Day) television directorial debut and follows the violent competitions hosted by the Roman Empire in 79 Ad.

Among the all-star cast are Jojo Macari (Morbius) and Tom Hughes (A Discovery of Witches), who play Domitian and Titus. Both brothers hope to succeed their father, Emperor Vespasian, and become the new head of the Flavian bloodline.

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...

ITV’s medical thriller “Malpractice” is set to return with a second series, introducing new faces while welcoming back familiar ones. Helen Behan and Jordan Kouamé reprise their roles as Dr. Norma Callahan and Dr. George Adjei, members of the Medical Investigation Unit (Miu), who find themselves investigating a doctor facing malpractice allegations. Tom Hughes joins […]

ITV’s “Malpractice” Returns for a Second Series, Tom Hughes Joins Cast...

One of the most interesting parts of Roland Emmerich’s new Ancient Rome-set series Those About To Die is the Succession-like struggle for power at the center of the Empire. The two main forces in this are Titus (Tom Hughes) and Domitian (Jojo Macari), two brothers who are the sons of Emperor Vespasian (Anthony Hopkins).

We at FandomWire spoke with Hughes and Macari about their characters in Those About To Die, and how they brought to life some of the more complicated arcs in the show. Check out the full interview here:

Those About To Die Interview

FandomWire: Both of your characters in Those About To Die are very morally ambiguous, and we’ve seen a lot of popular shows explore characters that aren’t traditionally “likable.” Why do you think audiences are interested in these morally complex stories like Those About To Die?

Jojo Macari: Wow, good question. I...

"Enough is good. More is better. Too much is perfect." Peacock has unveiled the second official for an epic Roman Empire series Those About To Die, a riff on the classic Roman phrase "Hail, Emperor, those who are about to die salute you" or "Ave Imperator, morituri te salutant." It'll be streaming on Peacock starting in a few more weeks. The series chronicles the world of gladiators in Ancient Rome. It may not be connected to Ridley Scott's Gladiator movie, or its upcoming sequel Gladiator 2 due out later this year (huzzah!), but it's definitely something they want you to feel is connected. Some of the episodes are directed by Roland Emmerich and it was shot at the Cinecittà studio in Rome. Anthony Hopkins stars as the Roman Emperor Vespasian, with a massive cast: Dimitri Leonidas as Scorpus, Jojo Macari, Gabriella Pession, Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins-Court, Moe Hashim, David Wurawa,...

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.

"I know what they crave... And I can devise entertainment that will feed that craving." Sounds like a studio exec talking. Peacock has revealed the main official for an epic Roman Empire series called Those About To Die, a riff on the classic Roman phrase "Hail, Emperor, those who are about to die salute you" or "Ave Imperator, morituri te salutant." The series chronicles the world of gladiators in Ancient Rome. It may not be connected to Ridley Scott's Gladiator movie, or its upcoming sequel Gladiator 2 due out later this year, but it's definitely something they want you to feel is connected. Some of the episodes are directed by Roland Emmerich and it was shot at the Cinecittà studio in Rome. Anthony Hopkins stars as the Roman Emperor Vespasian, with a massive cast: Dimitri Leonidas as Scorpus, Jojo Macari, Gabriella Pession, Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins-Court, Moe Hashim, David Wurawa,...

Ancient Rome has long been fertile ground for big-screen epics, from Ben Hur to Gladiator.

But the age of togas and chariot races hasn't spawned many successful TV dramas.

So Peacock execs likely knew they were taking a bigger risk than Caesar crossing the Rubicon when they greenlit Those About to Die, a big-budget drama about the world of gladiatorial combat.

Now, the streamer has released the first full-length trailer ahead of the series' July 18 debut.

A press release issued today describes the show as coming from blockbuster director Roland Emmerich (Independence Day) who serves as executive producer along with Academy Award-nominated writer and creator Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan).

Related: Streaming is Dominated by a Handful of Shows. Is There Any Room For Smaller Players?

"Those About to Die stars two-time Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins, alongside a talented ensemble cast including Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari and Moe Hashim,...

Take a look at the latest trailer for Those About to Die and answer this question: Are you not entertained?!

Earlier this spring, Peacock announced a Thursday, July 18, release date for its ancient Roman epic starring Anthony Hopkins (which is not related to Ridley Scott’s 2000 film). And now, the streamer has unveiled a full-length trailer for the historical drama, which will drop all 10 episodes at once when it debuts this summer.

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Peacock has released some first-look images for Those About To Die, Roland Emmerich’s epic drama set in ancient Rome, starring Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins.

Also starring are Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, Moe Hashim, and Dimitri Leonidas. All 10 episodes of the series drop on Peacock on Thursday, July 18.

Created by Robert Rodat, based on Daniel P. Mannix’s nonfiction classic of the same name, the drama series is 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 theintersection of sports, politics, and dynasties.

Emmerich and Marco Kreuzpaintner each direct five episodes,

The series was created by Robert Rodat, who also wrote five episodes.

If you’re still in Shōgun withdrawal, you can look forward to Peacock’s own take on a lavish historical epic this summer. Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan) is behind the small-screen adaptation of Those About to Die, Daniel P. Mannix’s book of the same name, which was also the inspiration for Ridley Scott and David Franzioni’s Gladiator.

This new period drama will come racing to our screens on July 18, with the decline of the Roman Empire as its backdrop. Peacock released a teaser for the series, starring Anthony Hopkins, Tom Hughes, and Iwan Rheon, among others, last month. And the streamer is now moving full speed ahead on promo with new images, including closer looks at the Roman Emperor Flavius Vespasian (Hopkins), who founded the Flavian dynasty; Titus (Hughes), Flavius’ son and successor; and games master Tenax.

NBCUniversal’s streaming service Peacock has revealed the first photos from Roland Emmerich’s epic drama series Those About to Die, set in ancient Rome. Emmerich directs the series and serves as executive producer.

Those About to Die stars two-time Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins and a cast that includes Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, and Moe Hashim. All ten episodes of the series will launch on July 18.

Those About to Die is an epic drama set in the corrupt world of spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition. It explores a side of ancient Rome never before told—the dirty business of entertaining the masses and 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.

“I have always been fascinated by the history of the Roman Empire.