New Gladiator Series Will Stream On Multiple Platforms
Upcoming gladiator series Those About to Die from director Roland Emmerich has been picked up by Prime Video across Europe. According to Deadline, the show, produced by Centropolis, Hollywood Gang, and Street Entertainment, was secured for distribution across the pond by High End Productions, a joint venture established by Herbert G. Kloiber and Constantin Film.
The upcoming Gladiator series, Those About to Die, will stream on both Peacock and Prime Video across Europe.
The Prime Video European distribution deal is a rare instance of a Peacock series accessible on a different streaming platform in other regions. Multiple countries, including Germany, the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland, Poland, Turkey, Andorra, Monaco, Luxembourg, and Belgium, have acquired the rights for the show.
Additionally, negotiations are underway with various European licensees for free TV rights outside the exclusive distribution window on Prime Video. Those About To Die promises to take audiences on an epic journey through the complex and corrupt world of ancient Rome’s gladiator competitions.
Based on Daniel Mannix’s non-fiction book of the same name, the show is set to be a grand drama, delving into multiple aspects of Roman society, from the brutal gladiator games to the shadowy criminal underworld and the manipulative politicians who fund the lavish and bloodthirsty sport that captivated the Roman masses.
Set in ancient Rome, Those About To Die will chronicle the lives of gladiators, exploring their hardships, hopes, and dreams. Anthony Hopkins takes on the role of Emperor Vespasian, a pivotal figure during the zenith of the Roman Empire. The story sees a restless Roman population grappling with feelings of boredom and rising violence.
The Prime Video European distribution deal is a rare instance of a Peacock series accessible on a different streaming platform in other regions.
To maintain order, the authorities rely heavily on two strategies – distributing free food and extraordinary gladiator entertainment. At the heart of the entertainment spectacle, the Circus Maximus hosts races overseen by four prominent Patrician-owned corporations known as the Blue, Red, White, and Green factions. Owning shares in these groups is the most coveted Roman asset of all.
Joining Hopkins are talented actors who breathe life into a diverse array of characters. Iwan Rheon takes on the role of Tenax, an ambitious crime lord with murky motives. Liraz Charhi plays Berenice, Queen of the conquered Judeans currently held captive in Rome. Rupert Penry-Jones appears as Marsus, and Jojo Macari portrays Domitian Flavianus.
Other cast members in the Peacock Gladiator series include Gabriella Pession as Antonia, Dimitri Leonidas as Scorpus, Sarah Martins-Court as Cala, Kyle Rowe as Ehud, Davide Tucci as Manilius, Adrian Bouchet as Porto, Pietro Ragusa as Fimbria, and Michael Bundred as Torel. Pepe Barroso. Goncalo Almeida, Kyshan Wilson, Alicia Edogamhe, Hossein Taheri, and Thomas Hunt also star.
Based on Daniel Mannix’s non-fiction book of the same name, the show is set to be a grand drama, delving into multiple aspects of Roman society, from the brutal gladiator games to the shadowy criminal underworld.
Under the direction of Roland Emmerich, known for his expertise in creating grand spectacles, Those About To Die is in good hands. The filmmaker’s vision and storytelling prowess will likely elevate the series into a cinematic experience of intertwining stories that explore various facets of Roman society, which viewers will find hard to forget.
With a hefty budget of $140 million, Those About To Die is poised to rival big-budget movies and television series set in the Eternal City, such as Gladiator and Rome.
