Earlier this year, the recent TikTok trend was about men thinking about the Roman Empire. There could be many reasons for the excitement surrounding the Roman Empire, including political drama, gladiatorial battles, Roman legions, chariot races, and extravagant lifestyles. No doubt, all these factors are portrayed in the Peacock series Those About to Die.

Actors Jojo Macari and Tom Hughes play competing brothers trying to be the next Roman Emperor by vying for the favor of their ailing father, Emperor Vespasian (played by Anthony Hopkins).

The rest of the cast includes Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Moe Hashim, Johannes Haukur Johannesson, Rupert Penry-Jones, Gabriella Pession, Dimitri Leonidas, Emilio Sakraya, David Wurawa, Pepe Barroso, Goncalo Almeida, Eneko Sagardoy, Romana Maggiora Vergano, Lara Wolf, Angeliqa Devi, Kyshan Wilson, and Alicia Edogamhe.

Here is the official synopsis:

Those About to Die is an epic drama set in the corrupt world of the spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition, exploring a side of ancient Rome never before told—the dirty business of entertaining the masses, giving the mob what they want most…..blood and sport. The series introduces an ensemble of characters from all corners of the Roman Empire who collide at the explosive intersection of sports, politics, and dynasties.

ALSO CHECK OUT: Peacock’s Those About to Die | Moe Hashim and Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson on Gladiators and Arena Frenemies

LRM Online’s Gig Patta chatted with actors Jojo Macari and Tom Hughes about their roles, playing brothers, the Roman Empire, and working with Anthony Hopkins.

Jojo Macari is an English actor and musician. He began in theater with Jermyn Street Theatre production of A Level Playing Field. He later took a role in the musical Desperate Measures, an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Measure to Measure. His first major acting role was with the BBC One series Hard Sun. He joined in seasons two and three of Sex Education as Kyle. In the third season of Harlots, he appeared as Prince Henry. He also appeared in the Netflix series Cursed and The Irregulars.

Tom Hughes began his career 2009 as Dr. Harry Ingrams of the BBC spin-off series Casualty 1909 and as Jonty Millingden in the ITV drama Trinity. He made his feature film debut as Chaz Jankel in the Ian Dury biopic Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll. In 2011, he was named one of BAFTA’s 42 Brits to Watch. He starred along with Judi Dench in the 2019 action film Red Joan. He also played the recurring role of Christopher Marlowe in the second series of A Discovery of Witches.

All ten episodes of Those About to Die premieres Thursday, July 18, on Peacock.

Watch the exclusive interview with Jojo Macari and Tom Hughes below. Let us know what you think of the interview.

For news and interviews, contact Gig Patta at [email protected]. Follow https://x.com/GigPatta, https://www.facebook.com/OfficialGigPatta, https://www.instagram.com/gigpatta or https://www.tiktok.com/gigpatta for all his postings and musings in entertainment.

Source: LRM Online Exclusive, Peacock