Set within the spectacular, complex and corrupt world of gladiatorial sports in Ancient Rome, the large-scale drama introduces an ensemble of diverse characters across the many layers of Roman society where sports, politics, and business intersect and collide.
Rodat and Emmerich will executive produce with Harald Kloser, Gianni Nunnari, Oliver Berben, Herbert G. Kloiber, Martin Moszkowicz, Jonas Bauer, Stuart Ford and Lourdes Diaz. AGC Studios, High End Productions, Centropolis Entertainment, Hollywood Gang Productions and Street Entertainment will produce.
"Those About to Die takes on Ancient Rome in a completely new way," said Lisa Katz, President of Scripted Content, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. "While the series will be epic in scope and have the spectacle of gladiators and chariot racing, it also has unexpected characters amidst palace intrigue and a dark criminal underworld. We jumped at the opportunity to partner with the unmatched creative minds of Roland Emmerich, Robert Rodat, Harald Kloser, AGC Studios and Gianni Nunnari's Hollywood Gang, to create this bold, action-packed series for Peacock audiences."
"The powerful Roman Empire has always fascinated me, especially its enormous games which entertained the masses through spectacle at the monumental Colosseum," added Emmerich. "At its heart, this is a sports epic led by strong and diverse characters who explore paths to glory, falls from grace and a need to belong to something greater than oneself. Sports in these ancient times were as thrilling and massive then as they are today, and I'm excited to collaborate with my partners, Peacock, High End Productions, Hollywood Gang, and AGC Studios, in bringing this rich world of blood, sweat and tears to television."
