If you can’t wait another day for the release of “Gladiator II,” relax: there’s a new series that will satisfy your cravings. This is “Those About to Die,” Peacock‘s take on the sword-and-sandal genre, already enchanting viewers on the streaming platform.
Set in Rome in 79 AD, the show centers on Vespasian, the ruling emperor portrayed by Anthony Hopkins, who is dying and must choose his successor between his two sons, Domitian and Titus. While one seems poised to take the throne, expectations are quickly turned on their head.
As with any epic historical drama set in this era, the visuals are stunning, meticulously recreating the settings of ancient Rome. Here are all the details on the filming locations for the series.
Where was ‘Those About to Die’ shot?
No good movie or series about gladiators is complete without authentic filming locations. Before watching “Those About to Die,” fans of the genre are curious about where the show was filmed and whether the settings look real or are just fabricated in a closed studio.
In truth, while the production was filmed in Rome, it wasn’t shot outdoors but rather at Cinecittà Studios in Italy. Don’t let this fool you into thinking it looks cheap. On the contrary, this studio is renowned for its work on titles like “Rome,” “Doctor Who,” “Kaamelott,” and “The Two Popes,” among many others.
According to Turismo Roma, the building spans an area of 400,000 square meters and features 19 filming studios. It has hosted renowned directors and actors such as Federico Fellini, Sergio Leone, Roberto Benigni, and Luchino Visconti.
Of course, bringing Ancient Rome to life requires significant investment. As listed on its Wikipedia page, “Those About to Die” had a budget of $140 million to ensure it looked as authentic as possible. Clearly, Peacock spared no expense in making this series a visual masterpiece.
