New trailer for Prime Video and Peacock’s historical epic Those About To Die looks like Gladiator crossed with Game of Thrones
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The first trailer forThose About To Die, a new historical epic that’ll debut on Prime Video (internationally) and Peacock (US), has been released – and it looks the kind of show you’d get ifGladiatorandGame of Throneshad a baby.
Set for release in mid-July,Those About To Diemarries the political scheming and moral corruption of George R.R. Martin’s famous fantasy works,Gladiator’s bloody Colosseum-based action and Ancient Roman melodrama, that’s sure to appeal toPrime Video’s worldwide audience, and Peacock viewers stateside. I could write a more detailed account of what it’s about, but why do that when its official teaser can show you instead? Check it out below:
It’s been a while sinceAmazon’s primary streamer had an unmissable and fictional ancient history series –Vikings, one of thebest Prime Video shows, is the last one I consider to be must-see television. As far as I can remember,Peacockhasn’t had any, either.Those About To Die, then, could give the pair’s similarly positioned genre rivals on the world’s otherbest streaming servicesa run for their money.
Not content with giving us a mere glimpse at its latest TV Original, Prime Video and Peacock also provided a lengthy story synopsis – and I mean lengthy – to expand upon the footage it’s just debuted.
“Rome in 79 A.D: the center of the Roman Empire is the wealthiest city in the world, and there is a heavy influx of slave laborers from the growing empire to take over the work. The Roman population – bored, restless, and increasingly violent – is kept in line mainly by two things: free food and spectacular entertainment, in the form of chariot racing and gladiator fights.
“Those About to Diedelves into the world of the games – a world characterized by bloodlust, greed for money, the pursuit of power, and corruption. The races at Circus Maximus are controlled by four Patrician-owned corporations: the Blue, Red, White, and Green factions, and shares in the four factions are the most valuable things in Rome. As the taste in entertainment of the populace becomes more jaded and bloodthirsty, a specially designed stadium for gladiatorial combat is needed – the Colosseum. The scale of the stadium as well as the gladiatorial and animal combats is enormous – same as the underworld with the flourishing betting business. Underground, beneath the stands, thousands of people work and live – among them thousands who will die for the games.”
Who’s involved in Those About To Die?
A whole host of household names. The standout amongThose About To Die’s acting contingent is Sir Anthony Hopkins, the legendary British actor who viewers will recognize from countless movies and TV shows, includingSilence of the Lambsand the first three ofMarvel’s fourThorfilms. Hopkins will play Emperor Vespasian, who founded the Flavian Dynasty and ruled the Roman Empire for a decade.
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The multi-award-winning star isn’t the only notable actor on the series roster, though. Take a look at the below list, which includes twoThronesalumni, to see who else is involved:
There’s some serious creative firepower behind the camera, too. Roland Emmerich, who’s helmed numerous disaster movies includingIndependence Day,The Day After Tomorrow, andMoonfall, has directed this series. Robert Rodat, who wrote the screenplays forSaving Private RyanandThe Patriot, isThose About To Die’s chief scribe.
Those About To Diewill comprise 10 episodes and launches on Peacock and Prime Video on Friday, July 19.
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As TechRadar’s senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You’ll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.
An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Tom also writes reviews, analytical articles, opinion pieces, and interview-led features on the biggest franchises, actors, directors and other industry leaders. You may see his quotes pop up in the odd official Marvel Studios video, too, such as thisMoon Knight TV spot.
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