Peacock has committed to a straight-to-series order for Those About To Die, based on the nonfiction work from author Daniel Mannix.
The series takes place within the complex and corrupt world of gladiatorial sports in ancient Rome. An ensemble of different characters from different sectors of Roman society—sports, politics and business—will interact and collide with each other.
Director Roland Emmerich (Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow) has been tapped to helm the ambitious project. In a statement, Emmerich explained his reasons for coming on board the series: “The powerful Roman Empire has always fascinated me, especially its enormous games which entertained the masses through spectacle at the monumental Colosseum. 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.”
Academy-nominated screenwriter Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan, The Patriot) will write and executive produce. Executive producers include Hollywood Gang’s Gianni Nunnari (The Departed, 300), Street Entertainment’s Harald Kloser (Independence Day: Resurgence, Midway), High End’s Oliver Berben, Herbert G. Kloiber, Martin Moszkowicz and Jonas Bauer.
AGC International, the content licensing and distribution arm of AGC Studios, will handle worldwide distribution rights.