TikTok recently suggested that all men think about is ancient Rome—and it looks like filmmaker Roland Emmerich is confirming that trend with his new, riveting Prime Video series, Those About To Die.
For his latest project, the director of epic cinema spectacles such as Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow and Moonfall heads to the Roman Colosseum to stage a historical drama with a star-studded cast.
Written by Saving Private Ryan writer Robert Rodat and based on the book of the same name by author Daniel P. Mannix, Emmerich’s latest film is grandiose in scale and displays impeccable attention to detail.
Read more: What to watch on Prime Video in July 2024
What else do we know about it? Read on to find out all the important details – isn’t it entertaining?
When will “Those About To Die” be released?
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Those About To Die premieres on Prime Video in the UK on Friday 19 July. All 10 episodes of the series will then be available to watch together.
Is there a trailer for “Those About To Die”?
Yes, the official trailer for Those About To Die is available to watch below, inviting viewers into the blood-soaked Colosseum where the kill or be killed nature of ancient Rome is brought back to life.
If our first look at Emmerich’s new show reminded you of Game of Thrones, you’re not alone. Those About To Die jumps into the dragon-shaped hole left by George RR Martin’s beloved sword and betrayal, and one of the main characters is in the mix: Iwan Rheon – aka Westeros’ sadistic Ramsay Bolton.
Otherwise, the show seems to take viewers on a similar journey – with high stakes, brutal sword fights, and the threat of intrigue lurking around every corner.
What happens in “Those About To Die”?
Those About To Die is set in Rome in 79 AD – the capital of the modern world and the bustling center of a wild early society. Here, in the wealthiest place on earth, Emmerich’s story begins, which tells of life in the depths of the merciless gladiatorial games of the Colosseum.
With the population “bored, restless, and increasingly violent,” they find relief and pleasure in regular gladiatorial combat and chariot racing, a profession full of violent spectacles controlled by four major factions.
“As the public’s tastes for entertainment become increasingly trite and bloodthirsty, a stadium specifically designed for gladiator combat is needed,” says the show’s official synopsis, which describes the events that led to the creation of the iconic Colosseum.
“The size of the stadium and the gladiator and animal fights are enormous – as is the underworld with the flourishing betting business,” it continues. “Underground, under the stands, thousands of people work and live – including thousands who will die for the games.”
Who is in the cast of “Those About To Die”?
Game of Thrones and Misfits star Rheon plays Tenax, the hero at the center of Emmerich’s story who, judging by the trailer, is responsible for overseeing the Colliseum games.
Sir Anthony Hopkins co-stars as Emperor Vespasian, a powerful figure in Rome whose time seems to be coming to an end.
They are joined by an extensive ensemble cast, including Tom Hughes from “The English Victoria” as Titus Flavianus, Sara Martins from “Death in Paradise” as Cala and Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson from “Game of Thrones” as Viggo.
Jojo Macari from “Sex Education” plays Domitian, with Gabriella Pession as Antonia, Dimitri Leonidas as Scorpius, Emilio Skraya as Xenon, Moe Hashim as Kwame and Rupert Penry Jones as Marsus.
“Those About To Die” will premiere on Prime Video on Friday, July 19.
