Summary
Anthony Hopkins’ role as a benevolent Roman emperor in Peacock’s epic historical drama seriesThose About to Dieis surprisingly similar to another iconic character he played.Those About to Dieis all about the business of gladiators. It explores how bloodshed became the most popular sport in Ancient Rome. Hopkins leads the star-studded ensemble as Emperor Vespasian, a real-life historical figure who was the last emperor to reign in the Year of the Four Emperors.
Hopkins has played a wide range of different rolesthroughout his career, from a sympathetic doctor inThe Elephant Manto a parent with dementia inThe Fatherto a cold-blooded, cannibalistic serial killer inThe Silence of the Lambsto former U.S. President Richard Nixon in Oliver Stone’s biopic. But not all of Hopkins’ roles are completely distinct from each other; there are similarities between some of his characters.Those About to Die’s Vespasian has a lot in common with a different Hopkins character.
Anthony Hopkins' Vespasian & Odin Roles Are Very Similar
They’re both aging rulers who have to choose between two very different sons
Hopkins’ role as Emperor Vespasian inthe cast ofThose About to Dieis very similar to his long-running role as Odin in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Introduced in 2011’sThor, Odin is the firm but fair leader of Asgard who had to make some tough calls to bring peace to the realm. When he first appeared in the MCU, he was trying to decide who should take over his throne after his death: his oldest son, Thor, a noble but arrogant warrior, or his youngest son, Loki, a notorious trickster.
This story is almost identical to Vespasian’s story inThose About to Die. Just like Odin,Vespasian is the aging ruler of a formerly warmongering nationwho brought peace to his own land.He has to choose between his two wildly different sons to succeed himon the throne. The older one, Titus, is a warrior and blunt instrument. The younger one, Domitian, is a politician and schemer. Vespasian is basically Odin, except with two eyes.
Those About To Die’s Vespasian Differs From Odin In One Big Way
Vespasian is a bit more of a politician than Odin
Vespasian isn’t exactly like Odin; there are a few key differences. Odin is a king – bound by blood, what he says goes – whereas Vespasian is a bit more of a politician and a diplomat. Odin just orders his people around on a whim, but Vespasian has to convince his people that his ideas are the right thing to do.This makes Vespasian a more interesting character dramatically, because he has to overcome more obstaclesthan Odin.Those About to Dieis streaming now on Peacock.
Those About To Die
Cast
Set in the year 79 AD in Rome, “Those About to Die” dives into the brutal and complex world of gladiatorial combat. The series explores the dark underbelly of Roman entertainment, where the promise of free food and blood-soaked spectacles keep the restless population in check. The narrative focuses on various characters from all corners of the Roman Empire, whose lives intersect in the grand arena.
