Anthony Hopkins Stars as Roman Emperor in ‘Gladiator’-Esque Peacock Series : ‘Those About to Die’ Trailer

The trailer for the ancient Roman drama series “Those About to Die” has dropped, with gladiators and epic fight scenes galore. All 10 episodes of the show are set to premiere July 18 on Peacock.

“Those About to Die” follows ancient Rome’s gladiatorial competitions and the corrupt nature of the business of entertaining the masses. The show is set in Rome in 79 A.D, where the Roman population is kept in line by two things: free food and spectacular entertainment in the form of chariot racing and gladiator fights. The show is complete with characters from all over the Roman Empire who collide at the explosive intersection of sports, politics and dynasties.

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From “The Day After Tomorrow” and “Independence Day” director Roland Emmerich, the show stars “Silence of the Lambs” star Anthony Hopkins as Emperor Vespasian, “Game of Thrones” actor Iwan Rheon as Tenax, Tom Hughes as Titus Flavianus, Sara Martins as Cala, Gabriella Pession as Antonia and Jóhannes Haukur -

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The series, inspired by the nonfiction book of the same name by Daniel P. Mannix, is written by Robert Rodat, who was nominated for an Oscar for writing “Saving Private Ryan.”

Emmerich and Marco Kreuzpaintner both directed the series. Executive producers on the series include Emmerich, Harald Kloser, Gianni Nunnari, Rodat, Stuart Ford, Lourdes Diaz, Miguel A. Palos Jr., Kreuzpaintner, Herbert G. Kloiber, Martin Moszkowicz, Oliver Berben, Jonas Bauer, Charles Holland and Namit Malhotra.

Centropolis Entertainment, Hollywood Gang Productions and Street Entertainment produce the series, which was shot at Rome’s Cinecittà Studios.

Watch the trailer below.

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