Mipcom - The mammoth gladiator TV project starring Anthony Hopkins marks the first major international co-production for the broadcaster which holds Nordic and Baltic rights.

In a split distribution deal mirroring industry practices in the film sector, the Nordic broadcaster has secured rights to the 10-part English-language epic series and joined a group of heavyweight earlier investors. Those include Peacock in the US - which co-commissioned the show with Herbert G. Kloiber and Constantin Film of High End Productions, and Prime Video which secured exclusive rights for Germany, the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland, Poland, Turkey, Andorra, Monaco, Luxembourg, and Belgium.

European moguls with Hollywood experience Emmerich (Centropolis Entertainment), Harald Kloser (Street Entertainment) and Gianni Nunnari (Hollywood Gang) developed the show - estimated at $150m according to Deadline - and brought it to London-L.A. based AGC Studios.

The large-scale gladiator epic is directed by blockbuster habitué Roland Emmerich (Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow) together with Marco Kreuzpaintner (Bodies, The Lazarus Project) from a script by Oscar-nominated Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan, The Patriot), itself inspired by the titular non-fiction classic by Daniel Mannix. The show is meant to ‘immerse viewers into the spectacular, complex and corrupt world of chariot racing and gladiatorial fights in ancient Rome’.

Next to Sir Anthony Hopkins who stars as emperor Vespasian are Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson (Succession, Stella Blómkvist), Iwan Rheon (Game of Thrones), Tom Hughes (The English, Victoria) and Sara Martins (Tell No One, Death in Paradise).

Commenting on the innovative deal for Telia-owned TV4, Fredrik Arefalk, director of channels and content said: “It is a dream team that has taken on the great task of portraying the drama and destinies surrounding the ancient gladiatorial games. We are very excited to be part of this fantastic production which I believe will be the biggest new series of all in the international arena next year. A rich range of high-quality drama is an important part of TV4 Play and Those About to Die is our single largest international venture ever.”

Emmerich was due to unveil first clips of the TV show at MIPCOM in Cannes.

The premiere on TV4 is set for the fall 2024.