Joe Otterson TV ReporterPeacock has given a straight-to-series order to a gladiator drama series based on Daniel Mannix’s nonfiction book “Those About to Die.”Robert Rodat, the screenwriter behind films like “Saving Private Ryan” and “The Patriot,” will write and executive produce.
Roland Emmerich is onboard to direct and executive produce. Emmerich is no stranger to large-scale productions of this nature, having previously helmed films like “Independence Day” and “Moonfall.” This will be the first time Emmerich has directed for television.“Those About to Die” is described as a large-scale drama set within the spectacular, complex, and corrupt world of gladiatorial sports in Ancient Rome.
The series introduces an ensemble of diverse characters across the many layers of Roman society where sports, politics, and business intersect and collide.
High End Productions, the company set up by Herbert G. Kloiber and Constantin Film to produce premium European fiction series for the international market, has acquired distribution rights in Europe and is set to co-finance the show with Peacock.
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