Author: Travis Hayward
San Diego Comic-Con 2024 offered fans of historical dramas a unique opportunity to journey into the world of Those About To Die. As I sat in the packed Ballroom 20 at the San Diego Convention Center, I began to reflect on a recent online fad where women were encouraged to ask the men in their lives how often they thought about the Roman Empire. Many admitted they frequently think about it, which quickly turned into a humorous trend where people used the phrase “This is my Roman Empire” to share topics they are fascinated with. For me, it’s all forms of theatre: live plays, musicals, adaptations, anything with the theatre. However, the trend’s origins sparked debates about how an obsession with the Roman Empire can perpetuate harmful ideologies—linking it to ideals of imperialism, patriarchy, and even the glorification of historical violence and power. The question then arises: will Those About To Die challenge these perceptions, or will it glamorize the aspects that some find problematic about Rome’s legacy?
Exploring Roman History
During the panel, Roland Emmerich, the mastermind behind many blockbuster films, shared his long-standing fascination with the Roman Empire—a fixation reminiscent of the men associated with the recent trend. It was clear that this series, based on the non-fiction book by Daniel Mannix, is a passion project for him. Emmerich mentioned that he had always wanted to create his version of a sports drama, and what better setting than the brutal world of ancient Rome’s gladiatorial games? He also revealed that they utilized the same “Volume” stage technology used in The Mandalorian, allowing for incredibly detailed and immersive backgrounds without the need to film on location. This technology felt like a game-changer, bridging the gap between historical authenticity and modern filmmaking.
The series’ exploration of spectacle, power, and survival mirrors themes often seen in classic theatre, particularly in Shakespearean works. I did mention theatre was my Roman Empire, right? The depiction of Roman politics and gladiatorial combat recalls for me the tragic elements of Julius Caesar, where ambition, betrayal, and the public’s hunger for bloodsport lead to downfall. Emmerich’s take on Roman society, through the lens of both historical fact and dramatic interpretation, brings a theatrical quality to the series that resonates with anyone who appreciates the intensity and grandeur of classic plays.
The Cast’s Portrayal of Emotional Depth
Hearing from the cast was one of the highlights for me. Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Moe Hashim, Jojo Macari, Dimitri Leonidas, and Gabriella Pession all expressed their excitement about working on a project of this magnitude. It was their first time stepping into such an expansive and intense production for many of them. Macari’s reflections on working with Sir Anthony Hopkins, even though Hopkins wasn’t present at the panel, were particularly touching. He described what it was like to share scenes with someone of Hopkins’ caliber, highlighting how surreal and inspiring it was to act alongside him. The reverence and awe in his voice made me even more eager to see their scenes together.
As the panel continued, we were treated to exclusive behind-the-scenes footage that left the audience buzzing. The sets and costumes were elaborate, transporting us to a time when gladiators fought for their lives to entertain the masses. However, one aspect that stood out was the blend of practical and digital effects. While the CGI-generated animals were somewhat distracting, the overall visual impact was undeniably impressive.
The panel discussions highlighted the emotional depth the actors brought to their roles, especially in scenes exploring the psychological strain of life-or-death situations. For instance, the scene where Martins’ character offers words of encouragement to her son before he enters the gladiatorial arena, only to break down after he leaves, underscores the emotional burden of maintaining composure in the face of overwhelming fear. This portrayal of internal conflict reflects many’s real-life struggles in balancing outward strength with inner turmoil. This level of nuance and depth may highlight the realities of the times versus the glamorized views of previous pop culture iterations.
A Call to Experience the Spectacle
Beyond the panel, Those About To Die had a significant presence at San Diego Comic-Con with an immersive activation titled “The Chariot Race,” located in the Gaslamp District. This experience allowed attendees to enter the world of ancient Rome, where they could participate in a simulated chariot race, reflecting the intense and competitive spirit of the show. While I focused on the panel, a fellow team member from our coverage crew explored this activation in detail—stay tuned for her full review!
After experiencing the panel and seeing the series’ portrayal of Rome, I’m left pondering whether Those About To Die will prompt viewers to rethink their fascination with the Roman Empire or reinforce it. The series is undeniably captivating, but as we engage with it, we must be mindful of the historical narratives we choose to romanticize.
Will Those About To Die make you reconsider what the Roman Empire stands for, or will it deepen your fascination with a civilization that, for all its grandeur, also embodied some of humanity’s darkest impulses? Check out the first season, which is now streaming on Peacock, with all ten episodes available. since July 18th, 2024.
After watching, share your thoughts in the comments below. Let us know if this show makes you see Rome differently or if it becomes yet another layer of your “Roman Empire.” And if you’re passionate about supporting nuanced, thought-provoking content, consider donating to help bring more stories like this to life.
Check out all the photos from this event and others we attended at SDCC 2024!
