Those About To Die director says it was ‘FRIGHTENING’ working with Anthony Hopkins on the Prime Video series and admits he was ‘more nervous meeting him than Mel Gibson’

Those About To Die director says it was 'FRIGHTENING' working with Anthony Hopkins on the Prime Video series and admits he was 'more nervous meeting him than Mel Gibson'

I’ve always been fascinated by the rich history of the Roman Empire, and the figure of Vespasian, who ruled during the construction of the Colosseum, is particularly intriguing to me. His reign was marked by complex political maneuverings, as described in the synopsis, with Patricians vying for power and seeking to supplant his heirs.


In an interview, filmmaker Roland Emmerich shared that collaborating with Anthony Hopkins on the new Prime Video production Those About To Die was a “terrifying experience.”

The acclaimed filmmaker has collaborated with many famous Hollywood stars such as Mel Gibson, Will Smith, and Jake Gyllenhaal. However, working with Anthony Hopkins during the making of Independence Day left the director feeling uneasy.

The renowned German filmmaker, aged 68, expressed his deep admiration for the two-time Oscar laureate, causing him great apprehension as they were set to discuss their project via Zoom.

Emmerich told Forbes: ‘I was more nervous meeting him than when I met Mel Gibson’.

He went on describing the pleasant experience of working with Anthony, adding that he was a delight, highly cooperative, and effortlessly easy to manage.

Those About To Die director says it was 'FRIGHTENING' working with Anthony Hopkins on the Prime Video series and admits he was 'more nervous meeting him than Mel Gibson'

Those About To Die director says it was 'FRIGHTENING' working with Anthony Hopkins on the Prime Video series and admits he was 'more nervous meeting him than Mel Gibson'

As an obsessed fan, I can’t contain my excitement about the new drama series, Those About To Die. The buzz around it was electric on Friday, and I couldn’t help but join in the chorus of praise. Some fans were bold enough to compare it to the epic saga of Game of Thrones, while others saw it as a lower-budget yet captivating spin-off of Spartacus. Regardless, we all agreed that this show is a must-watch!

Beginning July 18, Robert Rodat’s groundbreaking television production titled “The Peacock Show” hit the screens as an epic saga filled with swords and sandals. Roland Emmerich and Marco Kreuzpaintner skillfully directed this series.

The show, featuring Anthony Hopkins in the lead role, drew inspiration from Daniel P. Mannix’s 1958 book “Those About To Die.” This literary work also served as the basis for the movie “Gladiator,” in which Russell Crowe portrays Maximus at the age of 58.

Upon its release, fans expressed varied opinions on X (previously called Twitter) about the new series, with some announcing they weren’t fans.

A supporter expressed their disappointment: “I looked forward to Those About to Die with great anticipation. However, I find it somewhat unpolished… it seems to resemble Xena and Hercules in production value or bear the mark of Spartacus in its lower budget.”

I recently enjoyed binge-watching Peacock’s new series “Those About to Die” in just ten hours. In my opinion, it was an engaging watch. However, there could be some improvement in the way scenes are transitioned between one another. With strong writing and well-developed plots in future seasons, this show has great potential.

Those About To Die director says it was 'FRIGHTENING' working with Anthony Hopkins on the Prime Video series and admits he was 'more nervous meeting him than Mel Gibson'
Those About To Die director says it was 'FRIGHTENING' working with Anthony Hopkins on the Prime Video series and admits he was 'more nervous meeting him than Mel Gibson'

Others raved about the show, going so far as to draw comparisons between its opening credits and the renowned HBO production “Game of Thrones.”

One fan expressed excitement: “The opening sequence of Those About To Die is superbly done, reminiscent of Game of Thrones.”; “I’m already hooked by Those About To Die – they’ve got some people cornered like cats in nets.”; “Those About To Die is really great! 🔥”; “Those About To Die is awesome as can be.”

In this television show, Anthony, a 86-year-old Welsh actor, portrays the aging emperor Vespasian. Additionally, we have Iwan Rheon, Jojo Macari, and Tom Hughes joining the cast.

It was announced last year that Anthony had joined the cast of the Peacock drama. 

Vespasian, a Roman emperor, ruled from AD 69 to 79. During his tenure, the magnificent structure that we now call the Roman Colosseum was constructed – originally named the Flavian Amphitheatre.

In the intricate and morally questionable realm of ancient Roman gladiator games, “Those About To Die” tells the interconnected stories of various characters hailing from different social classes.

The Patricians, vying for power in the Empire, disliked the aging Vespasian and were eager to replace his heirs with their own as soon as possible.

In 2021, Anthony earned an Oscar for his role in “The Father,” while he was previously awarded the Best Actor Oscar at the Academy Awards in 1992 for his acting in “Silence of the Lambs.”

Those About To Die director says it was 'FRIGHTENING' working with Anthony Hopkins on the Prime Video series and admits he was 'more nervous meeting him than Mel Gibson'
Those About To Die director says it was 'FRIGHTENING' working with Anthony Hopkins on the Prime Video series and admits he was 'more nervous meeting him than Mel Gibson'
Those About To Die director says it was 'FRIGHTENING' working with Anthony Hopkins on the Prime Video series and admits he was 'more nervous meeting him than Mel Gibson'
Those About To Die director says it was 'FRIGHTENING' working with Anthony Hopkins on the Prime Video series and admits he was 'more nervous meeting him than Mel Gibson'
Those About To Die director says it was 'FRIGHTENING' working with Anthony Hopkins on the Prime Video series and admits he was 'more nervous meeting him than Mel Gibson'
Those About To Die director says it was 'FRIGHTENING' working with Anthony Hopkins on the Prime Video series and admits he was 'more nervous meeting him than Mel Gibson'
Those About To Die director says it was 'FRIGHTENING' working with Anthony Hopkins on the Prime Video series and admits he was 'more nervous meeting him than Mel Gibson'

I, as an utterly devoted fan, can’t help but share my excitement about Roland’s involvement in the 2022 sci-fi disaster movie, Moonfall. He not only brilliantly directed but also co-wrote and co-produced this masterpiece! Sadly, despite our high expectations, the box office didn’t quite live up to the hype. Moonfall managed to gross a mere $67 million worldwide.

Halle Berry and Patrick Wilson’s movie came out in February 2022, but it didn’t win over the critics.

In the 1960s, Anthony kicked off his acting journey and first appeared on screen in the 1967 British production “The White Bus,” a short film.

He was knighted in 1993 by the late Queen Elizabeth II for his services to drama.

In addition, he has brought Odin to life in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and graced the cast of HBO’s Westworld.

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2024-07-20 15:33

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