Anthony Hopkins series ‘Those About to Die’ premieres on Peacock and Amazon Prime Video

Fans of the sword and sandals genre will be pleased to hear that all 10 episodes of Those About To Die are now available to stream on Peacock and Prime Video.

Set in ancient Rome, the series takes a look at the corrupt world behind gladiator games. Anthony Hopkins plays Roman Emperor Vespasian, the founder of the Flavian dynasty which ruled the Empire for 27 years.

What is it about? 

The series takes place in AD 79, during Vespasian’s twilight years. It sees him face the dilemma of succession and establish which of his two sons will succeed him. It also shines a light on the way in which the empire used ‘bread and circuses’ to pacify the population – basically ensuring that the people remain obedient by keeping them fed and distracted by means of violent spectacles. It  also examines the miserable existence of the gladiators and underclasses, whose lives are controlled by the decadent and corrupt rich. 

Watch the trailer:

Who is in the cast?

Anthony Hopkins is not the lead, but rather part of an impressive ensemble cast, including Iwan Rheon (Game of Thrones, Misfits), Sara Martins (Death in Paradise), Tom Hughes (Victoria), Jojo Macari (Sex Education), Moe Hashim (Ted Lasso), Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson (Vikings: Valhalla), Rupert Penry-Jones (Whitechapel, Persuasion), and Gabriella Pession (Crossing Lines). 

Additional cast members include Dimitri Leonidas, Emilio Sakraya, David Wurawa, Pepe Barroso, Gonçalo Almeida, Eneko Sagardoy and Romana Maggiora Vergano.

Iwan Rheon as Tenax. Photo Credit: Reiner Bajo/Peacock
Tom Hughes as Titus. Photo Credit: Reiner Bajo/ Peacock
Sara Martins as Cala. Photo Credit: Reiner Bajo/ Peacock
Moe Hashim as Kwame. Photo Credit: Reiner Bajo/ Peacock

Who is behind it?

Those About To Die was written by Robert Rodat and  was produced by Centropolis Entertainment, Hollywood Gang Productions and Street Entertainment. AGC Television is the studio.

Roland Emmerich, Harald Kloser, Gianni Nunnari are the series creators. Emmerich and Marco Kreuzpaintner shared directing responsibilities, taking five episodes each. They also acted as executive producers together with Rodat, Stuart Ford, Lourdes Diaz, Miguel A. Palos Jr, Marco Kreuzpaintner, Herbert G. Kloiber, Martin Moszkowicz, Oliver Berben, Jonas Bauer, Charles Holland and Namit Malhotra.

Where can we watch it?

The series is already available to watch on Peacock in the USA and on Prime Video elsewhere.