Did Those About to Die film in Rome? Star shares deep personal connection to film location

Those About To Die official Amazon Prime trailer

Those About to Die is Peacock and Amazon Prime Video’s stunning new historical drama which has been released to UK streamers today (July 19).

The compelling new drama explores Ancient Rome in a whole new light, from the extravagant palaces used by Emperor Vespasian (played by Anthony Hopkins) to the brutal arenas where gladiators fought and died.

Meanwhile, there are all those who either thrive or scrape by in the middle, such as wily betting tavern owner Tenax (Iwan Rheon), who profits from the violent games of the Colosseum.

Express.co.uk recently had the chance to speak to Italian star Gabriella Pession, who portrays scheming noblewoman Antonia in the series.

Viewers may be wondering how Those About to Die managed to capture the look of Ancient Rome so authentically, and Gabriella was able to provide some valuable insight.

Those About to Die star shares deep personal connection to filming locations (Image: PEACOCK/PRIME VIDEO)

“I live in Rome, so I had a chance to really prepare,” she revealed. “I live not too far from the Palatine [Hill], which sounds very posh, but it’s not. It’s normal if you live in Rome. It’s just kind of there.

“So I had the privilege of really preparing my role by going into those places where [Antonia] lived, and see the Colosseum and immerse myself into Roman history.”

Best known for her performances in Italian film and TV, Gabriella also took on the role of Dr. Gabriella Aurora in the hit Grey’s Anatomy spin-off Station 19.

However, she said Antonia has been “the role I’ve been waiting for for 25 years of acting.

Antonia has her sights set on the throne (Image: PEACOCK/PRIME VIDEO)

“Because to play the villain is more fun… I’ve always liked the villain because there’s always a reason why you’re so rotten. There’s always a reason for cruelty deep down.”

She went on to reveal how the series has been part of a revival of sorts for Italian TV production, as Those About to Die made use of an iconic location for much of its filming.

“We shot basically on Cinecittà [Studios], so for us it’s a very important place,” Gabriella explained. “[Federico] Fellini did all his movies there, so for Italians Cinecittà has a very nostalgic meaning.

“For me, personally, I was very proud to show people Cinecittà because it got back to life with this show. And other shows as well, so Cinecittà is coming alive again.

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Gabriella was one of the only members of the cast who lives in Rome (Image: PEACOCK/PRIME VIDEO)

“When I [first] worked with Cinecittà I was very young. I did a show when I was, I think, 18. For a few years it’s been a bit run down and it’s hurtful for us. So, to see the glory of Cinecittà in Rome…”

Gabriella also revealed she got to spend time with the show’s director Roland Emmerich after the rest of the cast had packed up and left for home.

“Roland was here to edit the show so we went for our dinners, and we went to this beautiful square at night, it was like, ‘Roland, this is Rome! Look where you are!’” she remembered.

“So now Roland loves Rome and I am an extremely proud Italian.

Those About to Die is one of the most immersive shows about Ancient Rome ever made (Image: PEACOCK/PRIME VIDEO)

“And the intent was to show a Rome we’ve never seen before. For example, we have an example of Rome being all white, but art and history experts told me Romans would never leave a wall white in your house. It would be like putting a white canvas on your wall.

“So Rome was a blast of colour, the Colosseum was all colourful. Rome was very different, even me as an Italian was like, ‘Really?’”

All episodes of the series have now been released, so fans can discover more about the fascinating yet brutal era of history than ever before.

Those About to Die is available to stream in the UK and Ireland on Prime Video.

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Did Those About to Die film in Rome? Star shares deep personal connection to film location

Did Those About to Die film in Rome? Star shares deep personal connection to film location

Did Those About to Die film in Rome? Star shares deep personal connection to film location

Did Those About to Die film in Rome? Star shares deep personal connection to film location

Did Those About to Die film in Rome? Star shares deep personal connection to film location