Is 'Those About To Die' based on a book? Inside Anthony Hopkins's gladiator series
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Those About to Die', directed by Roland Emmerich and Marco Kreuzpaintner, is set to premiere on Thursday, July 18, on Peacock.
The series stars Anthony Hopkins, Dimitri Leonidas, Jojo Macari, Gabriella Pession, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Lara Wolf, and Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson in pivotal roles.
'Those About to Die' revolves around the grand and brutal world of ancient Rome. The series delves into the lives of gladiators, exploring the brutal entertainment industry of the Roman Empire, where life and death were at the whim of the crowd and the rulers.
Ahead of the premiere, let's discuss all the important details about 'Those About to Die'.
'Those About to Die' is based on the acclaimed 1958 novel by Daniel P Mannix
'Those About to Die' is based on the 1958 novel of the same name by Daniel P Mannix. The novel provides a gripping and well-researched account of the world of gladiators and the brutal entertainment culture of ancient Rome.
Mannix's novel delves into the lives of these warriors, exploring their struggles, the politics behind the games, and the societal dynamics that made gladiatorial combat a popular spectacle during ancient Rome.
The novel portrays a society increasingly obsessed with extreme violence, reflecting the moral decay and desperation of a civilization on the brink of collapse.
This happened when the Roman Empire declined, and torture in the arena became the only spectacle that could satisfy the decadent Romans' longing for excitement.
Wild animals were pitted against each other or against humans in deadly confrontations. Women and children were not spared from the carnage. Gladiators fought to the death, displaying their skill and bravery.
The book explains that not everyone who died in the arena were Christians or gladiators as criminals were often executed in public as part of the entertainment.
Now, the book has been adapted into a series, bringing to life the vivid and often brutal world of ancient Rome.
The series would showcase the intense training and harsh realities that gladiators faced, along with the political intrigue and corruption that surrounded the games.
What to expect from Peacock's 'Those About to Die'?
'Those About to Die' is an epic drama series set in the corrupt world of gladiatorial competitions, exploring a side of ancient Rome that hasn’t been told before.
The Peacock series focuses on the dark business of entertaining the masses, showing how the Roman elite catered to the public’s craving for violence and excitement.
Through its engaging story and detailed setting, 'Those About to Die' brings the novel to life. The series will showcase the actions and decisions of key figures like Vespasian, Scorpus, and other Roman leaders during that era, providing insight into their roles in shaping the gladiatorial games and the political landscape of ancient Rome.
Scorpus, a famous gladiator of the time, will also be depicted, highlighting the personal struggles and ambitions of those who fought in the arena.
The official synopsis of the series reads, "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, giving the mob what they want most…blood and sport."
How to stream 'Those About to Die'?
'Those About to Die' is set to premiere on Thursday, July 18, on Peacock. It will be available internationally on Amazon Prime Video starting July 19, expanding its reach beyond the U.S. audience.
Peacock offers two subscription options: the ad-supported Peacock Premium, which is priced at $6 per month, and the mostly ad-free Peacock Premium for $12 per month.
These options allow subscribers to choose between a more affordable plan with ads or a premium experience with fewer interruptions.
'Those About to Die' trailer