Those About to Die was a series set in ancient Rome that explored the world of gladiators and the violent spectacles of the Colosseum. Created by Robert Rodat and based on Daniel P. Mannix’s 1958 book, the show looked into the lives of those destined to die in the games. Directed by Roland Emmerich, the series, which premiered on July 18, 2024, on Peacock, also examined the crime-ridden underworld of Rome and its influence on Emperor Vespasian’s reign around 79 AD.
The cast of Those About to Die is headlined by the acclaimed Anthony Hopkins, who brings depth to his role as Emperor Vespasian. Alongside him, a diverse and exciting group of actors brings the vibrant world of ancient Rome to life. Here’s a closer look at the talented cast of Those About to Die that makes the series unforgettable.
Get to Know the Cast of Those About to Die and Their Epic Roles
Keep reading to meet the standout cast of Those About to Die.
Advertisement Sir Anthony Hopkins as Emperor Vespasian
Sir Anthony Hopkins is a legendary actor known for his impressive career on stage and screen. He first gained attention with movies like The Lion in Winter (1968) and A Bridge Too Far (1977), but he became famous after winning an Academy Award for playing Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs (1991). He also appeared in Bram Stroker’s Dracula. Over his long career, he has received six Academy Award nominations and many other major awards.
Sir Anthony Hopkins, born in Port Talbot, Wales, plays Emperor Vespasian. Set during the end of Vespasian’s life, the show reveals his concerns about his sons, Titus and Domitian Flavianus, who are trying to secure their own power. Despite his age, Vespasian is a sharp and skilled leader who can outsmart anyone seeking power in Rome.
Iwan Rheon as Tenax
Iwan Rheon, a Welsh actor with over 20 years in the industry, first gained attention in the British series Misfits. He became widely known for his role as the villain Ramsay Bolton in Game of Thrones. Before Those About to Die, Rheon starred in the short-lived Marvel show Inhumans and played drummer Mick Mars in Netflix’s The Dirt.
Rheon plays Tenax, a man of humble origins who has risen to become a powerful crime boss in Rome. As a skilled manipulator, Tenax controls the gambling industry linked to gladiatorial games and uses fear and cunning to maintain his power. Despite his background, he is one of the most influential characters on the show.
Jojo Macari as Domitian Flavianus
Jojo Macari, an English actor from London, first gained notice in the BBC series Hard Sun in 2018. He has since had recurring roles in notable TV shows like Sex Education and The Irregulars. Before Those About to Die, Macari also appeared in the Sony Marvel film Morbius and the Apple TV+ drama Masters of the Air.
Jojo Macari plays Domitian, the younger son of Emperor Vespasian. Not named as the heir, Domitian rivals his older brother Titus. Unlike Titus, Domitian sees the value in gladiatorial games and knows the gambling world well. He teams up with Tenax to boost his wealth and power.
Tom Hughes as Titus Flavianus
Tom Hughes, an English actor, gained recognition in 2010 with Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll where he played Chaz Yankel. He has since starred in various British TV series and movies, including The English on Amazon Prime and Franklin on Apple TV+. Hughes will soon appear as Hal Jordan in the upcoming DC Comics series Green Lantern.
Tom Hughes as Titus Flavius, is the eldest son of Emperor Vespasian. A stern military man, Titus dislikes the gladiatorial games and clashes with his scheming brother Domitian. While Domitian tries to weaken his authority, Titus struggles to maintain his dwindling power.
Sara Martins as Cala
Sara Martins, a French actress, gained international fame in 2011 with her role in the BBC series Death in Paradise. She has since appeared mainly in French films and TV shows, with occasional guest spots in popular series like Amazon Prime’s Citadel.
Cala is a Numidian trader and mother who uses her smarts and determination to improve her status. Her main goal is to earn enough money and influence to free her three children from Roman slavery. Cala becomes a valuable ally to Tenax and skillfully navigates the power struggles, always focused on her goal.
Dimitri Leonidas as Scorpus
Dimitri Leonidas, born in London to a Greek father and an English mother, started with small film and TV roles. He gained recognition in 2013 with roles in George Clooney’s The Monuments Men and Jon Stewart’s Rosewater. Like Jojo Macari, Leonidas also had a brief appearance in the Apple TV+ drama Masters of the Air in 2024.
Scorpus, a famous charioteer in Vespasian’s Rome who won over 2,000 races. While he enjoys his celebrity status, he remains dependent on those with real power. Though he is a friend of Tenax, Scorpus is willing to switch sides if the offer is good.
Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Viggo
Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, born in Iceland, first gained attention with a role as Lem Lemoncloak on Game of Thrones. He has since starred in and guest-starred on notable TV shows like The Last Kingdom, Vikings: Valhalla Season 3, and Succession.
Jóhannesson plays a role of Viggo, a skilled Norse warrior and expert in gladiatorial combat. He befriends Kwame, helping him survive in the arena, and shows honor despite being involved in the gambling and sports underworld.
Moe Hashim as Kwame
Moe Hashim, whose acting career is just starting, gained attention in 2022 as Moe Bumbercatch in Ted Lasso. Those About to Die is his biggest role so far. Kwame is a Numidian warrior captured and forced into gladiatorial training after showing his fighting skills to Roman soldiers. As a former lion hunter, his bond with animals helps him in the arena. He is the son of Cala, who is always trying to free him and his sisters, Aura and Jula, from Roman slavery.
Rupert Penry-Jones as Consul Marsus
Rupert Penry-Jones, an English actor from London, first gained fame in 2003 with a lead role in the BAFTA-winning series Spooks. He has since appeared in TV series like Whitechapel, Silk, and The Strain. Recently, he played Mayor Don Mitchell in Matt Reeves’ The Batman.
Rupert Penry-Jones plays Consul Marsus in Those About to Die, a local politician who schemes to gain the highest power in Rome. Along with his wife, Antonia, Marsus seeks to use divine power to overthrow the Flavianus dynasty.
Gabriella Pession as Antonia
Gabriella Pession, born in Daytona Beach, Florida, has spent much of her career in Italy. She gained international fame in 2013 with Crossing Lines alongside William Fichtner. Recently, she appeared on Station 19 and will have a major role in the upcoming adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo, starring Sam Claflin.
Antonia, the cunning wife of Consul Marsus, is just as skilled in conspiracy. She has a secret affair with the charioteer Scorpus, which Marsus knows about. While Marsus takes action, Antonia is the one who truly influences him and controls many of his plans.
Meet the Supporting Cast & Characters of Those About to Die
Lara Wolf as Berenice: Lara Wolf plays Berenice, Titus’s Judean mistress who is scorned by the Romans. Known for small roles in Quantico and Hot Air, the Persian-Swiss actress and singer is making her mark in the series.
David Wurawa as Gavros: David Wurawa stars as Gavros, a skilled horse trainer and chariot-racing expert. He has recently appeared in Shadow and Bone and Barbarians.
Kyshan Wilson as Aura: Kyshan Wilson plays Aura, Cala’s older daughter, who is sold into Roman slavery and bought by Tenax. Though new to acting, Wilson has appeared in Viola, The Sea Beyond, and Under the Amalfi Sun.
Alicia Edogamhe as Jula: Alicia Edogamhe plays Jula, Cala’s younger daughter, sold into Roman slavery and bought by Marsus and Antonia. This is Edogamhe’s debut acting role.
Martyn Ford as Flamma: Martyn Ford plays Flamma, a fearsome gladiator who faces Kwame in the arena. Known for his large stature, Ford has had small roles in The Machine, F9: The Fast Saga, and Kingsman: The Golden Circle.
Additional cast includes:
- Emilio Sakraya as Xenon
- Pepe Barroso as Fonsoa
- Goncalo Almeida as Elia
- Eneko Sagardoy as Andria
- Romana Maggiora Vergano as Selena
- Angeliqa Devi as Caltonia
Wrap Up!
The cast of Those About to Die is packed with talent, bringing the ancient Roman world to life in a vivid and exciting way. Each actor, whether seasoned or new to the screen, adds something unique to the show. Their performances create a rich mix of drama, intrigue, and action that keeps viewers hooked. With such a strong lineup, the series promises to be a gripping and unforgettable journey into the heart of Rome.Also, check the cast of humane film if you like the film and know more about it.