Anthony Hopkins joins the cast of the Peacock drama These

Anthony Hopkins joins the cast of the Peacock drama These About To Die, based on the book that inspired Gladiator

Anthony Hopkins joins the cast of the Peacock drama These About To Die, based on the book that inspired Gladiator

Sir Anthony Hopkins has joined the cast of the upcoming Peacock series Tone About To Die, based on the book that inspired the 2000 film Gladiator.

The 84-year-old Welsh actor will portray Emperor Vespasian in the epic historical drama from German director Roland Emmerich, 67, according to a Deadline article on Wednesday.

The series was inspired by Daniel P. Mannix’s 1958 book These About To Die, which was also the inspiration for the Gladiator film starring Russell Crowe, 58, as Maximus.

Gladiator Series: Screening in Los Angeles last March, Sir Anthony Hopkins has joined the cast of Peacock's upcoming series Theen About To Die, based on the book that inspired the film Gladiator 2000 inspired

Gladiator Series: Screening in Los Angeles last March, Sir Anthony Hopkins has joined the cast of Peacock’s upcoming series Theen About To Die, based on the book that inspired the film Gladiator 2000 inspired

Vespasian was a Roman Emperor who reigned from AD 69 to 79 and during his reign the Flavian Amphitheater, better known today as the Roman Coliseum, was built.

Set in the “complex and corrupt” world of gladiatorial combat, Thes About To Die follows a cast of characters from all walks of life in Roman society.

An official synopsis described the aging Vespasian as “despised by the patricians, who vie for position in the Empire and seek to oust his heirs at the first opportunity”.

In addition to directing, Emmerich will also executive produce the series along with screenwriter Robert Rodat.

Popular Movie: Russell Crowe is featured in a still from the 2000 movie Gladiator, which was also inspired by the book These About To Die

Popular Movie: Russell Crowe is featured in a still from the 2000 movie Gladiator, which was also inspired by the book These About To Die

German director: Roland Emmerich, shown in November 2019, will direct the peacock series

German director: Roland Emmerich, shown in November 2019, will direct the peacock series

Hopkins won an Oscar for his performance in The Father in 2021 and also won the Best Actor Oscar for his work in the 1991 film The Silence of the Lambs.

Emmerich directed, co-wrote and co-produced the 2022 sci-fi disaster film Moonfall, which was a box office bomb after grossing just $67 million worldwide.

The film, starring Halle Berry and Patrick Wilson, was released in February 2022 and was panned by critics.

Oscar Winner: Hopkins Will Become Dr.  Hannibal Lecter shown in a still from the 1991 film The Silence of the Lambs

Oscar Winner: Hopkins Will Become Dr. Hannibal Lecter shown in a still from the 1991 film The Silence of the Lambs

Hopkins began his acting career in the 1960s and made his film debut in the 1967 British drama short The White Bus.

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

Hopkins recently portrayed Odin in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and starred in the HBO series Westworld.

Sci-Fi Disaster: Emmerich directed, co-wrote and co-produced the 2022 sci-fi disaster film Moonfall, which was a box office bomb after grossing just $67 million worldwide and co-starred with the film Patrick Wilson and Halle Berry in January 2022 in Hollywood

Sci-Fi Disaster: Emmerich directed, co-wrote and co-produced the 2022 sci-fi disaster film Moonfall, which was a box office bomb after grossing just $67 million worldwide and co-starred with the film Patrick Wilson and Halle Berry in January 2022 in Hollywood

Prolific Actor: Hopkins recently starred in the HBO series Westworld and is featured in a still from 2018

Prolific Actor: Hopkins recently starred in the HBO series Westworld and is featured in a still from 2018