Summary
- Those About to Die
promises gladiatorial mayhem in Ancient Rome, with Anthony Hopkins leading the show as Roman Emperor Vespasian. - Director Roland Emmerich’s CGI extravaganza aims to blend history and action, drawing inspiration from
Game of Thrones
‘ visual thrills. - Peacock’s new series must avoid past mistakes of similar sword-and-sandal epics to connect with a large audience in the streaming world.
As a long-time fan of historical epics and someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the grandeur of ancient Rome, I am both excited and apprehensive about Peacock’s new series, “Those About to Die.” The trailer promises all the chariot races, man vs. beast clashes, and gory kills that kept me hooked on shows like “Game of Thrones” and “Spartacus.” And with the addition of familiar faces from those very shows, Iwan Rheon and Anthony Hopkins, the series feels like a reunion of sorts for fans of the genre.
If you haven’t heard of Vespasian before, it’s understandable given that he reigned as Roman emperor for just a short decade around the first century AD. However, a new historical series titled “Those About to Die” by Peacock aims to shed light on this overlooked figure. In this production, Anthony Hopkins portrays Vespasian, while Roland Emmerich, known for his epic and catastrophic storytelling, directs the series.
Despite the historical significance of this exploration into the final days of the Roman Empire, what makes it truly captivating isn’t just the history – it’s the brutal gladiatorial contests that once unfolded within the Colosseum in Rome’s heart. The construction of this iconic arena of combat started under Vespasian, and the events inside could rival the scope of “Game of Thrones,” complete with a rich historical background. It remains to be seen if “Those About to Die” can live up to the exceptional writing of “Thrones.” However, with a substantial budget allocated for state-of-the-art CGI and authentic sword fights, viewers are eagerly anticipating its release.
A Master of Disaster Gets Historical in Those About to Die
As a huge fan of Roland Emmerich, I can’t help but marvel at his knack for creating jaw-dropping disaster films, with “Independence Day” being a standout masterpiece. His talent lies in merging intricately detailed scale models and breathtaking CGI to bring destruction to life. However, due to historical limitations, Emmerich won’t be able to unleash his beloved large-scale explosions during the production of this upcoming project. Yet, with visual effects supervisor Peter Travers on board once again, we can expect a visually stunning representation of Ancient Rome in this CGI spectacle.
In just 100 shooting days, Emmerich and Travers significantly advanced virtual production stage capabilities. As Travers stated to The Credits, “We couldn’t have achieved this without Roland’s relentless pursuit of new technology throughout his career. He constantly pushed the limits of virtual production, sometimes beyond what was feasible. When it reached its limit on certain days, he would gently pull back and secure the shot.” This innovative approach ensures that viewers can enjoy visually stunning scenes akin to those in “Game of Thrones” and “House of the Dragon.”
How Those About to Die Can Perfectly Blend History and Action Like GoT
As a history enthusiast with a deep appreciation for both epic storytelling and historical accuracy, I’m excited about the upcoming Peacock series that promises to bring to life all the chariot races, man vs. beast clashes, and historically-rooted drama that made “Game of Thrones” (GoT) such a cultural phenomenon. Having grown up studying ancient civilizations and their histories, I can’t help but be intrigued by this new series that aims to keep pace with GoT’s legacy while remaining grounded in reality.
At the age of 86, it’s uncertain how long Anthony Hopkins intends to carry on with the series. Since Vespasian ruled Rome for a short time, the first season’s narrative could focus on the Colosseum’s early days leading up to Vespasian’s demise. In the production, Iwan Rheon, previously of “Game of Thrones,” will be among the actors, famously portraying Ramsey Bolton – a sadistic antagonist who clashed with Jon Snow in the infamous “Battle of the Bastards.”
Those About to Die Must Avoid Prior Mistakes in the Swords-and-Sandals Realm
When watching the extensive trailer for Those About to Die, it’s clear that this series pays homage to classic Roman epics such as Spartacus and Ben-Hur. However, what sets this production apart is the advanced techniques and resources unavailable to an earlier HBO show, Rome. Unfortunately, Rome didn’t gain much traction, lasting only two seasons before being canceled due to high production costs. Chris Albrecht, then-HBO chairman, was a factor in its termination. By learning from Rome’s missteps, Game of Thrones evolved into an engaging and action-packed series that relies on both dialogue and action for appeal.
A significant factor in the financial success of “Those About to Die” for Peacock is the involvement of renowned actor Sir Anthony Hopkins, who joins the cast to add star power during the show’s formative stages. After an initial rocky start with some unfavorable criticisms following the premiere of early episodes, “House of the Dragon” has gained momentum and is now thriving. It would be beneficial for Peacock to provide enough time and support for “Those About to Die” to build a large viewership.
After a lengthy absence from the spotlight, films featuring swords and sandals have once again stirred up interest, with movies like “300” paving the way for intense violence that “Those About to Die” is expected to adopt. With “Gladiator 2” on its way as well, this genre may regain popularity. However, “Game of Thrones” has set a high standard for epic premium series, meaning “Those About to Die” will face the looming shadow cast by its predecessor, especially if it aims to capture a significant portion of Max’s vast viewership in the streaming sector. Watch “Those About to Die” on Peacock.
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2024-07-19 05:01