News
Anthony Hopkins Joins Roland Emmerich’s Gladiator Series “Those About to Die”
AGC Television Chairman & CEO Stuart Ford made the announcement today that two-time Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins would be playing Emperor Vespasian in their upcoming historical epic series, THOSE ABOUT TO DIE. The series is written by Robert Rodat, who has been nominated for an Academy Award, and will be directed by the acclaimed Roland Emmerich.
High End’s Herbert G. Kloiber, Martin Moszkowicz, Oliver Berben, and Jonas Bauer will serve as executive producers alongside Hollywood Gang’s Gianni Nunnari (The Departed, 300) and Street Entertainment’s Harald Kloser (Independence Day: Resurgence, Midway). Executive producing alongside AGC CEO Stuart Ford is AGC Chief Content Officer Lourdes Diaz. Production services in Italy will be handled by Wild Side Productions (The Young Pope, My Brilliant Friend), a company that is also involved in the film’s international production.
Peacock has given the series a straight-to-series order and will air it in the United States. High End Productions, a distribution and financing company based in Vienna, was formed by Herbert Kloiber Sr. and Germany’s Constantin Entertainment, who have obtained distribution rights in Europe, and they are providing co-funding. AGC International owns the remaining worldwide rights.
The epic drama THOSE ABOUT TO DIE takes place in the murky and shady arena of gladiatorial contests. This series introduces a cast of characters from all walks of Roman life whose paths cross at the nexus of sports, politics, and dynasties.
Hopkins plays Vespasian, Emperor of Rome and head of the Flavian bloodline, and is the first significant cast member named for the project. He is a war hero, having won the crown following a violent ten-year civil war as an upstart from the countryside. The Patricians who are vying for power in the Empire see him with disdain and will try to usurp his heirs to the throne at the earliest opportunity.
The deal was negotiated by Mitch Smelkinson of Goodman Genow Schenkman Smelkinson + Christopher, LLP, and by Director of Legal and Business Affairs Conor McElroy on behalf of AGC.
Hopkins is repped by CAA and Independent Talent Group.
ABOUT THE SERIES:
Director / Executive Producer: Roland Emmerich (Moonfall, Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow)
Writer / Executive Producer: Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan, The Patriot)
Executive Producers: Harald Kloser (Independence Day: Resurgence, Midway), Gianni Nunnari (The Departed, 300), Oliver Berben, Herbert G. Kloiber, Martin Moszkowicz, Jonas Bauer, Stuart Ford, Lourdes Diaz
Studio: AGC Studios
Produced By: Centropolis Entertainment, Hollywood Gang Productions, and Street Entertainment
Distributor: AGC International
Format: Drama Series
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