New Peacock series "Those About to Die" premieres on July 18, 2024.
Join us as we feature episodic writer Jill Robi ahead of the release of this thrilling new gladiator driven series.
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. The Peacock 10 episode series is developed by Robert Rodat and directed by Roland Emmerich and Marco Kreuzpaintner.
The series is led by veteran actor Anthony Hopkins as Emperor Vespasian. In 68 AD, the Roman Emperor Nero died, ending the Julio-Claudian dynasty that was launched by Caesar Augustus and throwing Rome into turmoil. What followed was a period of crisis known as the Year of the Four Emperors, so named because four different rulers emerged to try to lead the Empire in very rapid succession during a time of infighting and violence. By the end of 69 AD, the last of these four Emperors, Vespasian, emerged as a new force of stability. The series is set after about 10 years under Vespasian’s Rule.
Political schemes, violence, wealth, seduction, and greed all take center stage in this bloody good series. The diverse and star-studded ensemble is filled with veterans and new comers alike who bring their A game to these roles. As the characters are introduced and the episodes begin to flow, audiences can relate and connect to each of the characters origin stories and villainous portrayals which enhance the overall plot.
Scenes In Color was honored to be able to sit down with one of the creatives behind the scenes for Those About to Die. We spoke with writer Jill Robi about her creative background and the process that she used when penning this period piece.
Jill Robi started writing around age eleven, from song writing to short stories to poetry. By high school, she was writing fan fiction stories online, which she credits to helping strengthen her grasp on understanding character voices. The granddaughter of a writer, Jill has always had a passion and connection to the craft. She studied and received her BA in fiction writing at Columbia Chicago.
When penning episode 7 of Those About to Die, Jill had to retreat to solitude in order to reach the characters voices as well as allow her imagination to fully explore where her pen would take viewers of the series.
“I took the bulk of my time writing this episode in a day rate room at the Congress hotel, with a view of Lake Michigan. We (the writers) all worked off of set outlines from the work in the writers room, but part of my process involves…boy, how to explain my imagination (laughs). I see the story like a film. Like it was already in the can. I hear the characters and then I just translate that vision to the page.” -Jill Robi
Those About to Die is filled with action, murder, power struggles, and corruption. This series provides plenty of scandalous moments that keep viewers engaged as the story unfolds throughout each episode. Family become foes, and foes become friends in this thrilling and wicked period drama.
It’s evident that the writers, set design team, and cinematographers poured hard work into bringing this series to life. Audiences are transported back in time and thrust into taverns, ancient marketplaces, palaces, and center court as gladiators compete and fight to the death for their factions and reputations.
Jill Robi used her pen to bring viewers right into the center of ancient Rome where gladiators are seen as God-like, blood shed is justice, and wealth begets power.
She credits some of her ability to create and step into specific genres to traveling and different experiences around the globe. Spending time and traveling with her with her tiny plus one, affectionally known by her as “Kid Flash”, is one of her favorite things to do when she’s not in a writers room or working on her craft. Currently, she’s looking to staff soon. She excitedly stated that she just finished her own historical epic pilot about an ancient African queen that’s been circulation within the industry.
Ready your chariot! The 10 episode series, Those About to Die debuts on Peacock on July 18, 2024. Those About to Die stars Anthony Hopkins as Vespasian, Dimitri Leonidas as Scorpus, Jojo Macari as Domitian Flavianus, Gabriella Pession as Antonia, Iwan Rheon as Tenax, Sara Martins-Court as Cala, Moe Hashim as Kwame, Tom Hughes as Titus Flavianus, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Viggo, and Rupert Penry-Jones as Marsus.