Who stars in 'Those About to Die'? Peacock's gripping action drama features stellar cast
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Those About to Die' is an upcoming epic sword-and-sandal series, developed by Robert Rodat and directed by Roland Emmerich and Marco Kreuzpaintner.
The series is set to premiere on Thursday, July 18, 2024, on Peacock. This highly anticipated show will launch with all 10 episodes available for immediate streaming, allowing viewers to binge-watch the entire season at their own pace.
'Those About to Die' revolves around the world of gladiators in Ancient Rome, offering an immersive and gritty portrayal of the brutal and fascinating lives of these warriors.
Ahead of the premiere of the show, let's discuss cast and character guide on who's playing who in 'Those About to Die'.
Anthony Hopkins as Emperor Vespasian
Anthony Hopkins, one of Britain's most recognisable and prolific actors, is set to play Emperor Vespasian in 'Those About to Die'.
Vespasian served as the Roman emperor from 69 to 79 AD. He was the final ruler during the chaotic Year of the Four Emperors. He was also the first emperor from an equestrian family.
Hopkins is renowned for his work in both film and theater. He has earned multiple honors, including two Academy Awards, four BAFTA Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Laurence Olivier Award.
Some of his notable works include 'The Edwardians', 'When Eight Bells Toll', 'A Bridge Too Farm', 'The Girl from Petrovka', 'International Velvet', and 'The Lion in Winter'.
Iwan Rheon as Tenax
Iwan Rheon, a Welsh actor and musician, takes on the pivotal role of Tenax in 'Those About to Die'.
Tenax is a formidable crime boss in the Roman underworld, known for his control over the lucrative gambling operations associated with gladiatorial games and chariot races.
Iwan is best known for his compelling performances as Simon Bellamy in the E4 series 'Misfits' and as Ramsay Bolton in the HBO series 'Game of Thrones'.
His work in these iconic series has cemented his place in contemporary television, earning him a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. Some of his other notable works include 'Hurricane: 303 Squadron', 'Alien Invasion: S.U.M.1', 'Vicious', and 'Our Girl'.
Sara Martins as Cala
Sara Martins, a talented French actress, plays the role of Cala in 'Those About to Die'.
Cala is a Numidian trader with a rich and formidable background, known for her resilience and resourcefulness. Driven by the urgent need to reunite her family, she goes to the Eternal City after her son has been sold into the brutal world of gladiators.
Sara is well-known in France for her performances in television, film, and theater. She also gained recognition for her role as Detective Sergeant Camille Bordey in the British-French crime comedy-drama 'Death in Paradise'.
Tom Hughes as Titus
Tom Hughes, a popular actor, takes on the role of Titus in 'Those About to Die'.
Titus has the strongest claim to the throne of Rome as the eldest son of Vespasian, making him the heir to the Flavian dynasty. He actively works to establish his reputation as a Roman leader through his achievements on the battlefield.
Hughes has garnered acclaim for his work in various film and television projects, showcasing his versatility across different genres. Some of his notable works include 'Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll,' 'I Am Soldier,' 'Madame,' 'The Game,' and 'Victoria'.
Jojo Macari as Domitian
Jojo Macari is an English actor and musician who plays the role of Domitian in 'Those About to Die'.
As the younger son of Vespasian, Domitian is not seen as the likely successor to the throne, given the prominence of his elder brother, Titus. However, this has not prevented Domitian from pursuing power and influence in alternative ways.
Macari had his first major acting role in the BBC One series 'Hard Sun,' where he gained attention for his performance. He later joined the cast of the popular Netflix miniseries 'Sex Education,' appearing in both the second and third seasons as Kyle.
Additionally, Macari showcased his versatility by taking on the role of Prince Henry in the third season of 'Harlots'. Macari has demonstrated his range as an actor, earning recognition for his contributions to contemporary television.
Moe Hashim as Kwame
Moe Hashim, recognized for his work in 'Ted Lasso,' plays the role of Kwame in 'Those About to Die'.
Kwame is Cala's son, a Numidian fighter and lion tracker who has been sold into a life as a gladiator. Now, he must navigate the challenges of surviving the brutal combat in the arena.
If Kwame can survive the relentless brutality of the arena, he stands a chance of reuniting with his family. His journey is fraught with danger as he faces not only formidable opponents but also the harsh realities of being a gladiator.
Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Viggo
Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson is an Icelandic actor celebrated for his impactful performances in both television and film. He gained recognition for his role in the acclaimed HBO series 'Game of Thrones'. Later on, Jóhannesson also appeared in the Netflix series 'The Innocents'.
He is set to play Viggo in Peacock's series 'Those About to Die'. Viggo is a formidable Norse warrior renowned for his expertise with various weapons used in the arena. His skills as a fighter make him a feared opponent in combat, as he combines strength with tactical intelligence.
Rupert Penry-Jones as Marsus
Rupert Penry-Jones, a popular British actor, takes on the pivotal role of Marsus in 'Those About to Die'.
Marsus is a retired general who now owns a faction of charioteers competing in races. He wields considerable influence in Rome, and the way he utilizes this power could shift the balance of authority within Rome.
Penry-Jones is widely recognized for his compelling performances across various television series. He gained significant acclaim for his role as Adam Carter in 'Spooks,' a British spy drama.
Penry-Jones also appeared as Mr Quinlan in the American horror series 'The Strain'. Some of his other notable works include 'Hilary and Jackie,' 'Virtual Sexuality,' 'North Square,' and 'Whitechapel'.
Gabriella Pession as Antonia
Gabriella Pession, an American-born Italian actress, takes on the pivotal role of Antonia in 'Those About to Die'.
Antonia is Marsus's wife, and she is just as determined to assert her family's influence in Rome. While Marsus may hold the prestigious titles, Antonia is content to manipulate events from behind the scenes.
Pession is best known for her work in Italian television and film, where she has established herself as a talented actress. She gained widespread recognition for her role in the series 'Rossella'.
Some of her other notable works include 'Ex 2: Still Friends?', 'L'amore rubato', 'Giornalisti', 'Crossing Lines', and 'Station 19'.
Dimitri Leonidas as Scorpus
Dimitri Leonidas, who is best known for his roles in 'The Monuments Men,' 'Rosewater' and 'Riviera,' takes on the role of Scorpus in 'Those About to Die'.
Scorpus is a renowned charioteer celebrated for his exceptional skills and a distinguished track record in the fiercely competitive world of Roman chariot racing. As a hero of the games, he has earned a reputation as a champion, consistently outperforming his rivals in the iconic Circus Maximus.
Throughout his career, Scorpus has appeared in a variety of television shows, showcasing his range as an actor. Notably, he had a brief yet impactful role in the Emmy-nominated television film 'Killing Jesus'.
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