Anthony Hopkins' 'Those About to Die': Who was his character in real life?

Riding the wave of the “Gladiator II” fever, Peacock has launched its own take on the sword-and-sandals genre with “Those About to Die,” a new series that has quickly garnered impressive viewership numbers on the platform, according to Flix Patrol.

The show, produced with a budget of $140 million, boasts meticulously built locations to ensure an authentic portrayal of Ancient Rome. The impressive effort and the ambiguous finale of the production suggest that a second season is highly likely.

Although the cast features many European actors who may not be globally recognized, it also includes some A-list stars such as Iwan Rheon and the standout Anthony Hopkins. What role does the star play in the drama, and who was his character in real life?

All about Vespasian, Anthony Hopkins’ character in ‘Those About to Die’

While Anthony Hopkins may not have the most screen time in “Those About to Die,” his character is central to the unfolding plot. In the series, Hopkins plays an emperor nearing death who must choose his successor from his two sons, who hold vastly different views on ruling, leadership, and life itself.

The character he portrays is Vespasian, who was the Emperor of Rome from 69 to 79 AD. He was the final ruler in the Year of the Four Emperors and founded the Flavian dynasty, which governed the Empire for nearly three decades.

Ascending to power amid the chaos following Nero’s reign, Vespasian is renowned for restoring stability and order to the empire after a period of civil unrest. He also implemented significant economic reforms to stabilize the economy.

Furthermore, Vespasian initiated several major building projects, the most notable being the Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheater. This iconic structure remains one of the most enduring symbols of Roman architecture.

Before becoming emperor, the ruler had a distinguished military career, playing a crucial role in the Roman conquest of Britain and later suppressing the Jewish revolt in Judea.

Thus, Anthony Hopkins’s portrayal of Vespasian highlights a key historical figure, continuing his tradition of bringing historical and influential characters to life, as seen in his roles in “Freud’s Last Session,” “One Life,” “The Two Popes,” and “Hitchcock.”