Enter the era of emperors and gladiators, where the roar of the crowd fills a colossal amphitheater. Ancient Rome, a society both awe-inspiring and brutal, centre around the Colosseum, a grand symbol of both entertainment and power. Sir Anthony Hopkins explores its true significance in his upcoming new series, Those About to Die, all set to premiere on Prime Video in India, UK and other European countries.
Sir Anthony Hopkins opens up about his character Vespasian in upcoming series Those About to Die: “A man of justice determined to make Rome a decent place”
Those About to Die is based on the 1958 book by Daniel P Mannix, which inspired Gladiator screenwriter David Franzoni. The series delves into Vespasian’s efforts to restore order in Rome after Nero’s turbulent reign nearly destroyed the city.
Hopkins said, “Bread and circuses, hey? Look this way!” He added, “It was the same as in today’s political climate, where you have nothing but distractions. The movie industry, the red carpet … entertainment, entertainment, entertainment. You can get too many films now. Fluff! And you are hooked. It takes you away from the pain of living in political chaos.”
Hopkins also expresses admiration for his character, Vespasian, in the series. He jokes that, during his own schooldays, he wasn’t much of a classicist. “I tried to read Gibbon’s Decline and Fall [of the Roman Empire]. Impossible! So I had to get ‘Gibbon for simpletons,’” he said. But he evidently now has a solid grip on his character.
Hopkins further added, “Vespasian was, I think, a strong soldier, a man of justice determined to make Rome a decent place after Nero had left it in a mess of backstabbing and all of that. Awful. The place was in its death throes. So, he came along and said, right, let’s put it back on track. He was a pragmatist. He knuckled down to fiscal reforms and acts of consolidation. He had two sons and told them to behave, to get on with it. But their dynamic was always going to unleash the scorpions of jealousy.”
Sir Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal of the complex emperor Vespasian promises a nuanced exploration of this fascinating period. Directed by Roland Emmerich, the Roman drama stars Anthony Hopkins, Iwan Rheon, Rupert Penry-Jones, and Sara Martins and is set to premiere on Prime Video in India on July 19.
Also Read : Salman Khan receives love from Anthony Hopkins; latter says, “It was an honor to meet you”
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