Roland Emmerich’s TV directorial debut, a historical epic titled Those About to Die, has begun streaming on Peacock, and it boasts a star-studded cast portraying a diverse range of characters from ancient Rome.

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Two-time Academy Award Winner Anthony Hopkins takes on the role of Emperor Vespasian, the ruler of Rome, while Game of Thrones actor Iwan Rheon appears as Tenax, a crime boss in the Roman underworld.

A number of other familiar faces appear in the series alongside Hopkins and Reon, including Death in Paradise's Sara Martins and Sex Education's Jojo Macari.

But who do they play? Read on for a rundown of the major players in Those About to Die.

Those About to Die cast

The main cast of the show is as follows:

  • Anthony Hopkins as Emperor Vespasian
  • Iwan Rheon as Tenax
  • Tom Hughes as Titus Flavianus
  • Jojo Macari as Domitian Flavianus
  • Sara Martins as Cala
  • Gabriella Pession as Antonia,
  • Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Viggo
  • Moe Hashim as Kwame
  • Rupert Penry-Jones as Marsus
  • Gabriella Pession as Antonia
  • Dimitri Leonidas as Scorpus

Read on for everything you need to know about the actors and who they're playing.

Anthony Hopkins plays Emperor Vespasian

Anthony Hopkins as Emperor Vespasian
Anthony Hopkins as Emperor Vespasian. 2024 Peacock TV

Who is Emperor Vespasian? A force to be reckoned with who has been at Rome's helm for approximately 10 years.

What else has Anthony Hopkins been in? He's best known for playing Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal. You might also have watched him in The Remains of the Day, The Father, The Elephant Man, The Mask of Zorro, The Two Popes, Thor and many more.

Iwan Rheon plays Tenax

Tenax leaning on a wall
Iwan Rheon as Tenax. 2024 Peacock TV

Who is Tenax? A crime boss who began his life on the streets.

What else has Iwan Rheon been in? Most people will recognise him from Game of Thrones, Misfits, Riviera and Wolf.

Jojo Macari plays Domitian Flavianus

Jojo Macari as Domitian Flavianus, sat on a chair with a drink
Jojo Macari as Domitian Flavianus. 2024 Peacock TV

Who is Domitian Flavianus? Vespasian's youngest son. He organises Rome's gladiatorial matches and chariot races.

What else has Jojo Macari been in? His CV includes Sex Education, Harlots and The Irregulars.

Sara Martins plays Cala

Kyshan Wilson as Aura and Sara Martins as Cala, standing close to one another.
Kyshan Wilson as Aura and Sara Martins as Cala. Reiner Bajo/Peacock

Who is Cala? A Numidian trader who has arrived in the city to find her son.

What else has Sara Martins been in? Most viewers will know her from Death in Paradise. She's also appeared in The Coroner, Je te promets, Détectives and PJ, among others.

Rupert Penry-Jones plays Marsus

Rupert Penry-Jones plays Marsus, standing next to Gabriella Pession as Antonia.
Gabriella Pession as Antonia and Rupert Penry-Jones as Marsus. 2024 Peacock TV

Who is Marsus? A retired general and the head of one of the most powerful families in Rome.

What else has Rupert Penry-Jones been in? He's best known for Spooks. Perry-Jones also appeared in Whitechapel, Silk and The Strain.

Tom Hughes plays Titus Flavianus

Tom Hughes as Titus Flavianus, sitting next to the emperor in the Colosseum
Tom Hughes as Titus Flavianus. 2024 Peacock TV

Who is Titus Flavianus? Vespasian's oldest son and the heir apparent to the Flavian dynasty. His domain is the battlefield.

What else has Tom Hughes been in? He's best known for Victoria.

Gabriella Pession plays Antonia

Gabriella Pession as Antonia, sat on a cushion
Gabriella Pession as Antonia. 2024 Peacock TV

Who is Antonia? Marsus's wife. She knows exactly how to manipulate her husband into doing her bidding.

What else has Gabriella Pession been in? Her credits include Orgoglio, Capri, Crossing Lines and The Red Door.

Moe Hashim plays Kwame

Moe Hashim as Kwame, standing in a corridor
Moe Hashim as Kwame. 2024 Peacock TV

Who is Kwame? Cala's son and a gladiator who is fighting for his life.

What else has Moe Hashim been in? You might know him from Ted Lasso.

Dimitri Leonidas plays Scorpus

Dimitri Leonidas as Scorpus, riding a chariot.
Dimitri Leonidas as Scorpus. 2024 Peacock TV

Who is Scorpus? A successful charioteer who will race for any team if the price is right.

What else has Dimitri Leonidas been in? He has appeared in Grange Hill, Riviera and Sinbad.

Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson plays Viggo

Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Viggo and Moe Hashim as Kwame, fighting with swords in the arena
Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Viggo and Moe Hashim as Kwame. 2024 Peacock TV

Who is Viggo? A Norse warrior who operates in Rome's underworld.

What else has Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson been in? He's best known for Vikings: Valhalla. You might also recognise him from Succession.

Who else stars in Those About to Die?

Additional cast members include:

  • Emilio Sakraya as Xenon
  • David Wurawa as Gavros
  • Pepe Barroso as Fonsoa
  • Goncalo Almeida as Elia
  • Eneko Sagardoy as Andria
  • Romana Maggiora Vergano as Selena
  • Lara Wolf as Berenice
  • Angeliqa Devi as Caltonia
  • Kyshan Wilson as Aura
  • Alicia Edogamhe as Jula

Those About to Die is available to stream now on Amazon Prime Video try Amazon Prime Video for free for 30 days. Plus, read our guides to the best Amazon Prime series and the best movies on Amazon Prime.

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Authors

Abby RobinsonDrama Editor

Abby Robinson is the Drama Editor for Radio Times, covering TV drama and comedy titles. She previously worked at Digital Spy as a TV writer, and as a content writer at Mumsnet. She possesses a postgraduate diploma and a degree in English Studies.

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