Those About To Die Teaser: Anthony Hopkins plays a Roman emperor in this series

The first look of Roland Emmerich's new series, Those About to Die—featuring two-time Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins—is out. The 86-year-old actor is set to embody Roman emperor Vespasian in the 10-episode series set to premiere on Peacock on July 18.

Based on Daniel P. Mannix’s nonfiction classic of the same name, the series stars Hopkins as Emperor Vaspasian during the height of the Roman Empire. The epic drama is 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 the 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 ensemble cast also includes Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, Moe Hashim, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Rupert Penry-Jones, Gabriella Pession, Dimitri Leonidas, Emilio Sakraya, David Wurawa, Pepe Barroso, Gonçalo Almeida, Eneko Sagardoy and Romana Maggiora Vergano.

The upcoming series is a collaborative project between Robert Rodat and directors Emmerich and Marco Kreuzpaintner. Both Emmerich and Kreuzpaintner have directed five episodes each in the series.