Movies News Talk
Offering a riveting look into the political intrigue, moral complexity, and brutal entertainment of the time, Peacock's latest historical drama, Those About to Die, carries viewers to the gladiatorial arenas of ancient Rome. Under the direction of an ensemble cast including both rising and seasoned stars, the show examines the life of people whose paths cross in the realm of gladiatorial fighting.
Renowned for his legendary performances in films including The Silence of the Lambs, Sir Anthony Hopkins portrays Emperor Vespasian, the seasoned ruler of Rome at the close of his rule. Though almost at death, Vespasian is not a helpless figurehead. Sharp strategist and manipulator, he is keenly aware of the power conflicts developing inside his family and the schemes of those aimed at deposement. Hopkins, who is renowned for his deft portrayal of difficult characters, gives Vespasian weight and gravity, so rendering him a fascinating and captivating presence on the series.
Best known for his eerie portrayal of Ramsay Bolton in Game of Thrones, Iwan Rheon plays Tenax, a self-made crime lord rising from modest beginnings to become a formidable force in the Roman underworld. Tenax uses intimidation and manipulation to control the profitable gambling business encircling the gladiatorial contests. Tenax is a great opponent since Rheon can show both cunning and brutality; he is always scheming and moving for dominance.
Renowned for his performances in shows including Sex Education and The Irregulars, Jojo Macari plays Vespasian's younger son Domitian Flavianus. Unlike his brother, Titus, Domitian sees the gladiatorial contests as a means of accumulating riches and clout. Working with Tenax, he creates a dangerous alliance using the criminal underworld to advance his own goals and confirm his place inside the empire. Macari's portrayal of Domitian's ruthlessness and thirst for power gives the already complex web of Flavianus family relationships still another level of complexity.
Renowned for his parts in The English and The Victoria, Tom Hughes portrays Vespasian's eldest son and heir apparent, Titus Flavianus. Strong military commander Titus sees gladiatorial games as a waste of money and despises them. While Domitian schemes and plots, Titus battles to keep his authority and honor the power he was promised. Hughes gives Titus a stoic, disciplined presence that contrasts powerfully with Domitian's ambition.
Renowned for her performance in the hit BBC series Death in Paradise, Sara Martins plays Cala, a clever Numidian trader navigating the perilous terrain of Roman society with sharp wit and intelligence. Driven by a strong will to release her three children from slavery, Cala shows to be a great help to Tenax since she uses those in authority for her own benefit. Cala is a remarkable character who defies expectations in the patriarchal Roman society because of Martins' portrayal of her strength and guile.
Appearing in movies including The Monuments Men and Rosewater, Dimitri Leonidas plays Scorpus, a well-known charioteer who savors the advantages of his wealth and reputation. Though he is well-known, Scorpus eventually depends on those with actual power. His friendship with Tenax is complicated, and his loyalty is always under flux to the highest bidder. Leonidas is a fascinating character in the series since he captures the charm and cunning of Scorpus.
Renowned for his performances in Game of Thrones and Vikings: Valhalla, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson plays Viggo, a trained Norse warrior adept in gladiatorial fighting. Viggo bonds with Kwame so he may survive the demanding training and even more dangerous arena fights. Viggo's stoicism and strength as portrayed by Jóhannesson make him a revered and interesting character on the series.
Best known for his performance in Ted Lasso, Moe Hashim plays Kwame, a captured Numidian warrior compelled into gladiatorial fighting. In the arena, where he must contend with both human and animal rivals, Kwame's lion hunting prowess is tested. Fighting for his freedom and the safety of his family, Hashim's performance of Kwame's bravery makes him a sympathetic and captivating protagonist.
Renowned for his part in the spy drama Spooks, Rupert Penry-Jones portrays Consul Marsus, a shrewd politician trying to discredit the Flavianus dynasty and take over for himself. Along with his aspirational wife, Antonia, Marsus schemes and uses divine might to advance his own goals. Penry-Jones presents Marsus's ambition and ruthlessness in a way that makes him a strong and threatening adversary.
Renowned for her performance in Crossing Lines, Gabriella Pession plays Consul Marsus's shrewd and cunning wife. Secretly engaged in a relationship with the charioteer Scorpus, Antonia is a strong force in her own right guiding and influencing her husband's political activities. Pession's performance of Antonia's ambition and shrewdness makes her a fascinating and interesting series character.
Compelling supporting actors for the show also provide the story more complexity and mystery. David Wurawa plays Gavros, a seasoned horse trainer; Kyshan Wilson plays Aura, Cala's elder daughter; Alicia Edogamhe plays Jula, Cala's younger daughter; Martyn Ford plays Flamma, a formidable gladiator.
Set in the year 79 AD, Those About to Die envelops viewers in the cruel and multifarious world of gladiatorial fight in ancient Rome. The show explores the sinister side of Roman entertainment, where gladiatorial contests provide free food and bloody spectacles to help to quell the restless public. The narrative presents a convincing examination of power, ambition, betrayal, and the human spirit's resiliency against hardship against the fascinating historical backdrop.