Everything to Know About 'Those About to Die,' Peacock’s New Gladiator Series

Do you like movies (and shows) about gladiators? If so, 2024 is an important year for you, because there are not one but two big gladiator projects coming out. One is Gladiator 2, the long-awaited sequel to Ridley Scott’s Oscar-winning epic starring Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington. The other is Those About to Die, a TV series featuring Anthony Hopkins that’s coming to Peacock this summer.

Those About to Die is now available on the streaming service, and is timed to coincide with Peacock’s coverage of the 2024 Summer Olympics. (The Olympics are part of Greek history while gladiators are Roman, but it’s all ancient athletic competition, you know?)

Here’s what you need to know about Those About to Die.

Related: 15 Facts About Anthony Hopkins

What is Those About to Die about?

Peacock describes Those About to Die as “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.”

Is Those About to Die based on a book?

Yes! Those About to Die is inspired by the 1958 book of the same name by writer Daniel P. Mannix, a famous writer from that era. The book is a sensationalized historical book, a mix of fiction and non-fiction, that describes gladiator culture in ancient Rome. It was very popular at the time, and has endured through the years, serving as loose source material for Gladiator as well as Those About to Die.

Who is in the Those About to Die cast?

Those About to Die has a large ensemble cast featuring actors from all over the world. Anthony Hopkins is the most prominent member of the cast, but there are some faces you may recognize from other shows.

Anthony Hopkins as Vespasian

Vespasian is the last emperor to rule in the Year of the Four Emperors, and the founder of the Flavian dynasty, which ruled the empire for 27 years in the 1st Century. He began construction of the Colosseum. Anthony Hopkins is a legendary performer who has won two Academy Awards for Best Actor. Those About to Die is his second regular TV series (the first was Westworld).

Related: 100 Best Movies of All Time

Dimitri Leonidas as Scorpus

Scorpus is the greatest—and wealthiest—charioteer of his era. Dimitri Leonidas is British actor known for his appearances in the shows Foundation and Masters of the Air.

Jojo Macari as Domitian Flavianus

Domitian is the younger son of Vespasian. Jojo Macari is known for his performances in Sex Education, The Irregulars and Masters of the Air.

Gabriella Pession as Antonia

Antonia is the wife of a nobleman and the mistress of Scorpus. Gabriella Pession has appeared in many Italian shows and movies as well as Station 19 and the upcoming The Count of Monte Cristo.

Iwan Rheon as Tenax

Tenax is the owner of the largest gambling tavern at the Circus Maximus. Iwan Rheon is best known for his terrifying performance as Ramsay Bolton on Game of Thrones.

Moe Hashim as Kwame

Kwame is a North African lion hunter who embarks on a journey to Rome. Moe Hashim is known for playing AFC Richmond midfielder Moe Bumbercatch on Ted Lasso.

Sara Martins-Court as Cala

Cala is Kwame’s mother. Sara Martins-Court is best known for playing DS Camille Bordey on the long-running British-French crime dramedy Death in Paradise.

Tom Hughes as Titus Flavianus

Tius is Vespasian’s elder son. Tom Hughes’ credits include the films Infinite and The Laureate and the shows A Discovery of Witches and The English.

Who’s making Those About to Die?

Those About to Die is created by Robert Rodat and directed by Roland Emmerich and Marco Kreuzpaintner.

Roland Emmerich is one of Hollywood’s most successful directors. He is known for blockbusters like Independence Day and The Day After Tomorrow. In addition to executive-producing the series, he is directing five episodes, including the premiere. Marco Kreuzpaintner, who is best known for directing episodes of The Lazarus Project and Bodies, is directing the other five.

Robert Rodat is the series’ writer. He is an Academy Award nominee for writing the screenplay for Saving Private Ryan. He also created the sci-fi television series Falling Skies. He previously worked with Emmerich on the films The Patriot and 10,000 BC.

Is there a trailer for Those About to Die?

Yes! Check it out:

Previously, Peacock released a brief teaser that features images of the characters and a flash of gladiator action.

Are the photos from Those About to Die?

Yes, take a look at some first-look photos Peacock released.

What does the title mean?

Those About to Die’s title comes from the famous Latin phrase "Ave, Imperator: Morituri te salutant,” which translates to “Hail, Emperor, those who are about to die salute you." This phrase is apocryphally associated with gladiators saluting the emperor immediately before they faced certain death in the Colosseum, though there is no evidence they said it.

What is the Those About to Die release date?

The entire first season of Those About to Die will be released on Thursday, July 18, 2024.

How many episodes will Those About to Die have?

Those About to Die will consist of 10 episodes. It is not billed as a limited series, so there could be more episodes if the first season is successful.

Where to watch Those About to Die

Those About to Die will be available to stream exclusively on Peacock.

Next, Will Russell Crowe Return for 'Gladiator 2'? Everything to Know About the Upcoming Sequel