Hollywood legend’s $150,000,000 show with ‘Gladiator vibes’ hailed a ‘masterpiece’

A blockbuster series set in Ancient Rome is being hailed a ‘masterpiece’ by some viewers.

The Amazon Prime series Those About to Die is based on the 1958 book of the same name by Daniel P. Mannix, which also inspired Ridley Scott’s 2000 film Gladiator.

Set in the corrupt world of 79AD, the ten-part series stars Anthony Hopkins as Roman Emperor Vespasian while Game of Thrones star Iwan Rheon plays ambitious crime boss Tenax.

As the wealthiest city in the world, Rome is seeing an influx of slaves from the growing empire and its population is growing bored, restless and increasingly violent.

However, the people are kept in line by the promise of free food and spectacular entertainment in the form of chariot racing, animal combat and gladiator fights.

These races are controlled by four corporations, and shares in these companies are the most valuable thing in Rome.

But as thirst for bloodshed increases, the Colosseum is built, sparks a thriving underworld where betting is the key to wealth and fortune, and thousands of lives are sacrificed in the name of entertainment.

After tuning in, many viewers have said they were blown away by the series.

‘Those About to Die. Is a masterpiece.  It’s Spartacus and Rome from the early 2000s with a 2024 flair. Omg the writing and acting is superb. I’m on the edge of my seat every episode.  You all did that!’ user Queenie posted on X.

‘Those About to Die will be one of my favourites this year. Was awestruck at how alive Rome felt,’ Sebz shared.

‘Those about to Die on Peacock is awesome. If you’re a fan of the earlier seasons of Game of Thrones, this is the show for you. Literally been binging it for the past two days on the edge of my seat,’ Jahelis added.

Meanwhile there were many inevitable comparisons to Gladiator, however fans still encouraged others to give this series a go, with one labelling the new release ‘epic’.

Ahead of the release of Those About to Die, Anthony said Ancient Rome was ‘rather like our present situation – total chaos’.

‘Politicians and leaders say they have the answers, but they don’t. We’ve always been in chaos because that’s the nature of human beings,’ he said.

The series also stars Death in Paradise’s Sara Martins as ruthless trader Cala and Rupert Penry-Jones as retired general Marsus.