Ancient Rome returns: New wave of epic productions hits screens in 2024
Hollywood keeps coming back to ancient Rome with two new big-budget productions. Latest releases mix old-school arena action with modern political themes in fresh ways
For over a hundred years Hollywood cant get enough of ancient Rome (its perfect mix of violence and politics makes great entertainment)
The movie industry found a smart work-around in the past: using Roman settings to show risky content — violence sex and politics got a pass when wrapped in togas. Back in the 60s Steve Reeves and other muscle-men filled screens with barely-dressed action; while parents thought kids were getting history lessons
The religious-themed movies used this trick too: Jeffrey Hunter played blue-eyed Jesus in “King of Kings“ while Brigid Bazlen did exotic dances; and “Ben-Hur“ mixed brutal ship battles with bible stories. These films got away with showing lots of skin and violence because they were “educational“
Now in 2024 weʼve got two new Roman mega-projects. First theres Gladiator II with Paul Mescal as Lucius (son of the first films hero). He fights in arenas with rhinos sharks and other cool stuff — while trying to fix Romes corrupt government. The movie has lots of muscle-showing and fight scenes but its not as good as the first one
Rome needs to return to its roots
The other big Roman project is “Those About to Die“ on streaming apps. Anthony Hopkins plays Emperor Vespasian in this sports-drama about chariot racing. The show follows Iwan Rheon as Tenax who runs illegal bets and tries to break rich families control over the races
- Tenax works with gladiators
- He makes deals with the emperors brother
- His champion racer likes drinking too much
- Theres lots of fighting and drama
The show is fun to watch but its not very deep — just good entertainment with fancy costumes and lots of action scenes
