Peacock Announces a Straight-to-Series Order of Ancient Rome Gladiatorial Epic “Those About to Die”

Peacock announced today the straight-to-series order for THOSE ABOUT TO DIE, a large-scale Ancient Rome gladiatorial epic inspired by the nonfiction classic Those About To Die from acclaimed author Daniel Mannix and internationally renowned filmmaker Roland Emmerich (Moonfall, Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow) is set to direct and executive produce.

THOSE ABOUT TO DIE is a large-scale drama set within the spectacular, complex, and corrupt world of gladiatorial sports in Ancient Rome. The series introduces an ensemble of diverse characters across the many layers of Roman society where sports, politics, and business intersect and collide.

“Those About To Die takes on Ancient Rome in a completely new way. While the series will be epic in scope and have the spectacle of gladiators and chariot racing, it also has unexpected characters amidst palace intrigue and a dark criminal underworld,” said Lisa Katz, president scripted content, NBCUniversal Television, and Streaming. “We jumped at the opportunity to partner with the unmatched creative minds of Roland Emmerich, Robert Rodat, Harald Kloser, AGC Studios and Gianni Nunnari’s Hollywood Gang, to create this bold, action-packed series for Peacock audiences.”

Said HEP’s Oliver Berben and Herbert G. Kloiber, “The first TV show created by Roland Emmerich with an exceptional story and a perspective never seen before – that’s exactly why we founded High End Productions: A European story that can be seen around the world. We are very grateful and excited that we have found such great partners and creative minds for this extraordinary project.”

Director Roland Emmerich stated, “The powerful Roman Empire has always fascinated me, especially its enormous games which entertained the masses through spectacle at the monumental Colosseum. At its heart, this is a sports epic led by strong and diverse characters who explore paths to glory, falls from grace and a need to belong to something greater than oneself. Sports in these ancient times were as thrilling and massive then as they are today, and I’m excited to collaborate with my partners, Peacock, High End Productions, Hollywood Gang, and AGC Studios, in bringing this rich world of blood, sweat, and tears to television.”

ABOUT THE SERIES:

Director / Executive Producer: Roland Emmerich (Moonfall, Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow)

Writer / Executive Producer: Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan, The Patriot)

Executive Producers: Harald Kloser (Independence Day: Resurgence, Midway), Gianni Nunnari (The Departed, 300)), Oliver Berben, Herbert G. Kloiber, Martin Moszkowicz, Jonas Bauer, Stuart Ford, Lourdes Diaz

Studio: AGC Studios

Produced By: Centropolis Entertainment, Hollywood Gang Productions and Street Entertainment

Distributor: AGC International

Format: Drama Series