“It’s a step into the world of Ancient Rome like I’ve never seen before”: Emilio Sakraya, Dimitri Leonardas and fellow cast on Those About to Die

Directed by Roland Emmerich, Those About to Die is an epic historical drama series exploring ancient Rome’s deeper layers. Filling the screen with competitive gladiator sporting events, shifting powers amongst the political elite and charging droves of chariots that race around the amphitheatre, it carves out an evocative narrative of a bygone time. The series is helmed by an impressive cast that includes Sir Anthony Hopkins, who portrays the commanding figure of Emperor Vespasian, alongside his two sons Titus (Tom Hughes) and Domitian (Jojo Macari)

The story presents a huge-scale event, taking viewers to the heart of the betting side of the bloodsport and also the sexual liberation that was part of their culture. Pairing CGI with extravagant set design and authentic costumes, the ten-part series based on the book by Daniel P Mannix is a big-budget, complex drama that encapsulates the Roman Empire in 79 AD.

The Upcoming had the pleasure of hearing from Emilio Sakraya and Dimitri Leonardas about their roles in the series, the physical challenges they entailed and what they hope viewers will take away from being immersed in this series.

 

We spoke to Gabiella Passion about playing the character of Antonia, the evolving sides of her role and the empowering nature of her femininity.

Iwan Rheon and Sara Martins chatted to us about looking into the history of the Roman Empire to help carve out their roles and what it was like having the director Roland Emmerich in the driving seat of this historical drama.

We spoke to Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson and Moe Hashim about their developing friendship within the Gladiator ring and the physical demands of their action-packed roles.

Tom Hughes and Jojo Macri talk about working together on this as brothers, their journey in the series and what it was like to have Sir Anthony Hopkins playing their father on screen.

Ezelle Alblas

Those About to Die is released on Prime Video on 19^th July 2024.

Watch the trailer for Those About to Die here: