Gabriella Pession plays Antonia and Dimitri Leonidas plays Scorpus in Roland Emmerich’s new gladiatorial epic set in Ancient Rome, Those About to Die. The pair spoke with MovieWeb’s Greg Archer about landing characters they love and working with Emmerich and Anthony Hopkins. All episodes of Those About to Die are streaming on Peacock.

Those About to Die is an epic drama set in the corrupt world of the spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition, exploring a side of ancient Rome never before told — the dirty business of entertaining the masses, giving the mob what they want most…blood and sport. The series introduces an ensemble of characters from all corners of the Roman Empire who collide at the explosive intersection of sports, politics, and dynasties.