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- Tough Training Regime: ‘You Need to Lose Weight’
- Iwan Rheon Says Game of Thrones Has Nothing on This Show’s Spectacle
- Those About to Die Shows ‘A Side of Rome We Barely Saw’
- Gabriella Pession Unpacks the Character of Antonia
As someone who has always been captivated by the rich history and grandeur of ancient Rome, I cannot contain my excitement for the upcoming series “Those About to Die” streaming on Peacock. Having worked on the set of a production as massive as this, I can attest to the sheer scale and spectacle that awaits audiences. The chariot racing scenes, in particular, promise to be unlike anything we have ever seen before, thanks to advancements in technology that allow for an incredibly realistic portrayal.
“Dimitri Leonidas, portraying Scorpus in Peacock’s grand ancient Rome production ‘Those About to Die,’ expressed his excitement. In this captivating series, Leonidas’ character is a skilled charioteer with the ability to join any team for a fee. Notable actors like Anthony Hopkins star as Emperor Vespasian, the leader of the Flavian dynasty, who is raising his two sons, Titus (Tom Hughes) and Domitian (Jojo Macari), for future rulership. The acclaimed series boasts the involvement of Robert Rodat as its creator and Roland Emmerich (known for ‘The Patriot’ and ‘Independence Day’) directing approximately five episodes.”
“Leonidas remarked that Emmerich was both robust and compassionate to work with. In this large-scale project filled with intricate special effects, Emmerich donned the supervising director role for approximately 230 busy days.”
Based on my experience working in the film industry, I’ve come across directors who are quite demanding and tyrannical during production. But let me tell you, this is not a bad thing. In fact, it’s an essential trait for someone in that role, especially when dealing with large sets and complex productions. The pressure is immense, and the director needs to ensure everything runs smoothly and according to plan.
Leonidas and his co-stars, including Gabriella Pession, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Moe Hashim, Iwan Rheon, and Sara Martins, shared insights about the grand story during our MovieWeb interviews. Here are some highlights from our conversations:
Tough Training Regime: ‘You Need to Lose Weight’
Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, who portrays Viggo in the series with a muscular build, confessed, “I believed I had an exercise regimen beforehand, but I soon realized it wasn’t enough compared to what was required.” In truth, we were put through demanding workouts daily. During one of my early costume fittings, I mentioned to a costume designer that I might need to shed some pounds. Their response? “Yes, you do need to lose weight.”
In “Those About to Die,” Jóhannesson portrays a powerful and intimidating character, depicted as a skilled Norse warrior and gladiator. He forms a friendship with Moe Hashim’s character, Kwame, during their gladiator training in ancient Rome, 79 AD. Kwame’s storyline is intriguing, as he and his two sisters (Kyshan Wilson and Alicia Edogamhe) are sold into slavery. Meanwhile, their mother (Sara Martins) works tirelessly to rescue them.
Hashim admitted that he initially approached his workout preparation backward. “I went to the gym and got fitness training, getting quite excited about becoming muscular,” he explained. “But as I delved deeper into the show’s episodes, I discovered they weren’t looking for someone bulky like me. Instead, they preferred a smaller, skinnier candidate.”
“Realizing I seemed too insignificant, I decided against projecting a fighter or gladiator image. Instead, I began shedding some pounds to appear smaller and slimmer.”
Iwan Rheon Says Game of Thrones Has Nothing on This Show’s Spectacle
Iwan Rheon is well-recognized for his role as Ramsay Bolton in “Game of Thrones” on HBO. In this new production, he portrays Tenax – a determined yet pressured criminal mastermind – who finds himself in over his head. The show promises an impressive display, according to Rheon.
As someone who has always been fascinated by ancient Roman culture, I am thrilled to share my excitement about the upcoming chariot racing TV show. With advancements in technology, we now have the ability to capture and present this spectacle in a way that feels incredibly real. Having only ever seen reenactments or static images of chariot races, I can’t wait to witness the raw energy and adrenaline-pumping action unfold before my eyes as if I were right there in the Roman Colosseum. The combination of cutting-edge technology and historical accuracy promises an immersive experience that will transport viewers back in time.
He additionally commented: “The grandeur of Rome depicted here is breathtaking. Wide-angle views transport you into the heart of the city, offering a glimpse into ancient life. Exceptional set construction, unparalleled in my experience, enhances the series. Each character confronts constant peril.”
Those About to Die Shows ‘A Side of Rome We Barely Saw’
Sara Martins, delivering a striking portrayal of Cala in the show, is a relentless and cunning trader, set on shielding her loved ones at any cost. She remarked that this series provides viewers with all the thrilling elements they typically associate with a Roland Emmerich production.
“Additionally, the narrative offers a lesser-known perspective of Rome. It’s not just about the wealthy elite, the Patricians, the rulers, and their adversaries. It delves into the lives of the laborers, slaves, and common people who contributed significantly to Rome’s grandeur. The account provides a glimpse into the reality behind the opulence and uncovers the stories of those unsung heroes who played a pivotal role in shaping the city.”
Gabriella Pession Unpacks the Character of Antonia
In fact, the novel “Those About to Die” skillfully explores various societal groups – ranging from the impoverished to the elite. The Patricians belong to this privileged class, controlling four horse and chariot racing teams, distinguished by the colors red, blue, green, and white. Known for their harsh political tactics, their power permeates throughout the story. Actress Gabriella Pession portrays Antonia, a clever woman manipulating her husband Marsus (Rupert Penry-Jones), a former general, from behind the scenes. About Antonia, she shared:
As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I’ve finally found the role that feels tailor-made for me. It’s an opportunity to delve deep into the intricacies of human psychology and push boundaries without any restrictions. This character is a wild card, living in a man’s world with fearless abandon. She can be ruthlessly cruel one moment, cleverly manipulative the next, and childishly playful at times. It’s an exhilarating journey that keeps me on my toes!
“Roland and Marco gave me the freedom to add instinctual elements to my role, allowing for improvisation and unusual choices,” shared Pession. This was just one instance where the actors could fully immerse themselves in the vast historical production.
As an avid fan, I’m excitedly looking forward to immersing myself in this grand tale starting July 17. You can find “Those About to Die” streaming exclusively on Peacock using the link provided below. Let’s dive in together!
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2024-07-22 02:03