Peacock’s new epic ancient Rome series Those About to Die looked set to challenge the likes of House of the Dragon and possibly even Ridley Scott’s upcoming sequel Gladiator II as a new go-to place for those looking for the usual mix of violence, politics, and a little sex and nudity. However, as the first wave of critical reviews landed on Rotten Tomatoes, it seems that the Anthony Hopkins-starring drama, which is directed in part by Independence Day’s Roland Emmerich, isn’t quite living up to its potential.
Those About to Die is a typical sword-and-sandal series that follows in the footsteps of the likes of Spartacus, bringing to life the often brutal and unsavory world of emperors and gladiators. However, this time around, the focus is shifted slightly from the mighty gladiators and their powerful overlords to the criminal underworld and darker corners of that world. However, it seems that when it comes to historical epics, many critics just wanted something a little more epic than the series delivers.
The show’s debut score lands at a very divided 57%, with views mainly calling out its “trashy and exploitative” execution, and questioning how its high budget ended up delivering something that “looks so cheap.” Among those not enthralled by this latest entry in the historical epic genre is TheShockNews’s Akos Peterbencze, who said “Despite its large scale and high budget, Those About to Die is a far cry from the pinnacles of the genre’s TV entries like Rome and Spartacus.” Meanwhile, TV Line’s Dave Nemetz notes, “It’s a dispiritingly cynical piece of work: somehow both overstuffed and underbaked, simultaneously schlocky and dull.”
Those About to Die Scores Some Positive Reviews
It seems that Those About to Die is a series that falls into the category of not managing to completely win over anyone, even those who have given more positive reviews of the series. Among the reviews that have decided to see the potential in the series, there is usually still some element of “must try harder” in the comments, with very few feeling completely immersed in the world created by Those About to Die.
Harriet Addison of the London Evening Standard said, “The script is sometimes clunky, and the drama a bit over-egged, but it’s also cinematic and powerful and exciting. It absolutely must be watched on as large a screen as possible.” In a similar mostly-positive-but-negative review, IGN Movies’ Sam Barsanti wrote, “Those About To Die has all the nudity, violence, and political intrigue you’d want from a post-Game of Thrones drama. But it’s all been done better elsewhere — and with better use of Anthony Hopkins, to boot.”
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Director Roland Emmerich Says Filming Those About to Die Was ‘Murderous’
The blockbuster director also unpacks directing Anthony Hopkins in the stunning epic series set in Ancient Rome.
Those About to Die certainly has a lot to prove, and audiences will get to have their say as the series is now available to stream on Peacock. The series stars Hopkins along with Tom Huges , Sara Martins , Jojo Macari , Gabriella Pession , Dmitri Leonidas , Moe Hashim , and Game of Thrones’ Ramsey Bolton actor, Iwan Rheon.