As a massive fan of historical dramas and ancient Rome, I was absolutely thrilled when I heard about the new Peacock series, “Those About to Die.” The anticipation built even higher when I read about Jojo Macari’s experience shooting with none other than the legendary Anthony Hopkins.
I had quite the sweaty and nerve-wracking day under my toga, as I prepared to shoot my first scenes with the legendary Anthony Hopkins for Peacock’s captivating new series, Those About to Die. In my mind, I knew this was a big deal – after all, we’re talking about an Oscar-winner here. But I tried to keep calm and remind myself that we were both actors, eager to create a great scene together.
Macari and Tom Hughes, along with a large ensemble cast, feature in this grand production portraying the morally questionable realm of gladiatorial games. Their roles are those of brothers Domitian and Titus: Titus, the eldest son and apparent successor to Emperor Vespasian (Hopkins), and Domitian, a power-hungry younger brother who aspires to the throne and competes with Titus for the position.
In “Those About to Die,” Macari and Hughes delve deep into an unexplored side of ancient Rome, portraying the lives of both the wealthy and the commoners with equal depth. The production features thrilling gladiator fights and chariot races, which were forms of entertainment for the masses at that time. This captivating blend of sports, politics, and dynastic power struggles didn’t go unnoticed by Macari and Hughes, who relished the opportunity to act alongside the legendary Sir Anthony Hopkins.
How Anthony Hopkins Put the Actors at Ease
After their first greeting with a Hopkins fist bump, Macari expressed how he immediately felt comfortable and wonderful, making each day an enjoyment and an honor. Simultaneously, Tom Hughes disclosed additional insights into that day’s events, expressing his full agreement with Jojo about Hopkins’ pleasant demeanor. He believed that if it was orchestrated deliberately by the schedulers or producers, it was a brilliant move.
On Anthony’s first day, Jojo and I found ourselves having several intense scenes with him individually. Our schedules were packed, with major confrontations planned for each of us. For Jojo, it was in the morning, while mine was set for the afternoon. This arrangement gave us both a precious opportunity to interact with Anthony not only as our characters but also as real people behind the scenes.
Hughes shared, “The night before, JoJo and I had predicted, ‘This is going to be an exceptional experience‘.” As I entered the set, JoJo was leaving with a smile. He winked at me and said, “It’s fantastic, man.” I replied, “Alright, it’s fantastic, got it.”
As I entered, I found myself pondering my next move. Meanwhile, Anthony, much like Jojo, was engaged in conversation with others. Without missing a beat, he rose from his spot, strode over to me, extended his hand for a firm shake, and introduced himself warmly: “Hi there, I’m Tony.” The atmosphere seemed to shift subtly, as if to say, “Let’s get down to business now.”
Hughes continued, “It felt like we could simply get down to business then. You need to set aside all your mental distractions and focus on performing the scene. He was an exceptional acting partner. He was always engaged, encouraging, intelligent, and full of life.”
A Sweeping Epic Unlike Any Other
In Rome during the year 79 AD, Oscar-winning filmmaker Roland Emmerich (known for “The Patriot,” “The Day After Tomorrow,” and “Independence Day”) serves as the overall director for the series “Those About to Die.” He also directs five episodes of this television project, marking his debut in TV direction. At the start of the story, Emperor Vespasian (portrayed by Hopkins) is revered for founding the Flavian dynasty and has ruled Rome for ten years, bringing peace after prolonged civil strife. Vespasian initiated the construction of the Colosseum, or Flavian Amphitheater, understanding the Roman people’s fascination with gladiatorial contests and wild beast hunts.
As a passionate gamer, I’ve been excitedly following the making-of process of this ancient Rome-themed show. And let me tell you, none have come close to matching its grandeur. The cast is impressive with Gabriella Pession, Rupert Penry-Jones, Pepe Barroso, Eneko Sargadoy, Goncalo Almeida, Sara Martins, and Moe Hashim among the talented few. But what truly sets this production apart is Peter Travers’ exceptional work as visual effects supervisor. He’s brought an intricate LED wall to life for filming, elevating the viewing experience like never before. Macari, the showrunner, shared his enthusiasm: “I don’t believe any other Rome-based series has managed to reach this level of magnitude, showcasing uncharted territories of Rome and delivering captivating storylines.” Hughes added, “It’s going to leave audiences in awe.”
The Roman Empire is an intriguing subject, full of drama if nothing else. Its architectural wonders and structures continue to leave us in awe due to their immense size. Furthermore, the technological innovations employed in portraying it offer a fresh cinematic perspective, promising an exciting exploration for viewers unfamiliar with these aspects.
As a gamer, I’m excited to share that Anthony, an actor with remarkable skills, will join our game starting July 18th on Peacock. With his involvement, Roland’s knack for crafting captivating stories with just the right balance of complexity and scale will only enhance the experience. So, get ready to immerse yourself in a truly mesmerizing world by following the link below.
Watch on Peacock
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2024-07-18 20:01