FIRST LOOK: Anthony Hopkins transforms into Roman Emperor Vespasian while dressed in a toga and gold leaf crown to shoot the new series Those About To Die
A first look of actor Anthony Hopkins while filming Those About To Die has been revealed.
Anthony, 84, who plays Roman Emperor Vespasian in the series, donned white and gold robes and a crown for the part.
The show, on the Peacock network, is an adaptation of the 1958 non-fiction book Those About to Die by Daniel P. Mannix.
Daniel’s novel was an in-depth exploration of all Roman blood sports, including chariot races, beast hunts, and public executions.
The new series, directed by Roland Emmerich, 67, will explore aspects of Roman society covered in the book, including gladiatorial games and corrupt politicians.
New series: A first look has been revealed of actor Anthony Hopkins while filming Those About To Die, complete with white and gold robes and a crown
Filming: Elsewhere, in another shot from the set, Anthony posed with a fellow cast member donning a Roman headdress and a blue ruffled ensemble and sandals
Elsewhere, in another photo from the set, Anthony posed with a fellow cast member wearing a Roman headdress and a blue ruffled ensemble and sandals.
A separate photo showed a version of a Roman gladiatorial arena taking shape.
Vespasian was a Roman emperor who reigned from 69 to 79 AD and during his reign the Flavian Amphitheatre, better known today as the Roman Colosseum, was built.
An official synopsis of the new series described the aging Vespasian as “despised by the patricians vying for position in the Empire and seeking to replace his heirs to the throne as soon as they get the chance.”
In addition to directing the show, Emmerich will also executive produce alongside writer Robert Rodat. The book that inspired the new series also inspired the iconic Gladiator movie starring Russell Crowe, 58, as Maximus.
Anthony won an Oscar in 2021 for his performance in The Father and also won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his work in the 1991 film Silence Of The Lambs.
Emmerich directed, co-wrote and co-produced the 2022 sci-fi disaster film Moonfall, which was a blockbuster after grossing just $67 million worldwide.
The film starring Halle Berry and Patrick Wilson was released in February 2022 and was panned by critics.
Anthony began his acting career in the 1960s and made his screen debut in the 1967 British short drama The White Bus.
He was knighted in 1993 by the late Queen Elizabeth II for services to drama.
The actor recently played Odin in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and starred in the HBO series Westworld.
Set: A separate photo showed a version of a Roman gladiatorial arena taking shape, one of the main parts of the series