TV series Those About to Die, interview with actor Davide Tucci

Those About to Die is the upcoming TV series. The plot chronicles the world of gladiators and chariot racing in Rome during the reign of Emperor Vespasian (Anthony Hopkins). The script is based on the book of the same name by Daniel P. Mannix, and the episodes will be directed by Roland Emmerich and Marco Kreuzpaintner. The cast includes Iwan Rheon, Dimitri Leonidas, Gabriella Pession and Gabrielle Scharnitzky. 

In the TV series Those About to Die, you play Manilius. Can you tell us something about your character?

Manilius is the second in command of the Paetorian Guard. If you were to research who the Paetorians were in ancient times you’d find out that, simply put, they basically were the gatekeepers of power. Throughout history, you will see that they are sometimes the Emperor’s best defence or worst enemy such as the time where it was the Praetorian guard in fact, who brought down Emperor Galba in favour of Otho, in favour of Vitellius who was in turn succeeded by our very own Emperor Vespasian played by Sir Anthony Hopkins in Those About To Die. This was known as the year of the four emperors and the Praetorians played a vital role. I think that being so close to the seat of power in Ancient Rome, so close to the ‘gods’, being second in command of the most deadly and powerful faction of the Roman Empire - this leaves Manilius with the arrogance of a man who has power and the resentment for those around him who wield more power than him. Pair that with a gambling addiction and there you have a precedent for a very interesting turn of events. Will Manilius’ thirst for riches and power lead to his rise or demise? 

What was it like to work with Anthony Hopkins?   

Doesn’t get better than Anthony Hopkins, does it? He has done it all and is a true master of the art. I must say I met him briefly on set as we only shared one or two scenes. In the brief time aside from being slightly star-struck, he was kind enough to interact with everyone around him - sharing anecdotes from his past, his experiences and a few jokes. I must say that for an artist in his position to be so grounded, open and in the moment truly shows his class. 

Does Roland Emmerich leave room for improvisation or does he demand that you stick to the script? 

Robert Rodat as a writer is a great starting point, don’t you think? I mean, Saving Private Ryan is one of my favourite films and I wouldn’t dare mess with his work. But honestly, Roland Emmerich is an amazing director to work with - he directed some of the most amazing movies (2012, Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow, Godzilla) and to work with him on a series about Ancient Rome, in Cinecitta? Dream come true. Initially I didn’t know what to expect and did feel some pressure before my first scene with him, but I was immediately put at ease, after a brief first introduction we got right to work on our first scene together. I like working with straight-forward people - he knows what he wants and for me getting right to work was the perfect ice-breaker. Sometimes the scenes allowed for a little improvisation but I must say that as an actor one needs to understand his place. This being his place in the story, in the moment and especially on set. Sometimes scenes allow some improvisation, sometimes they demand it, other times there’s little place for it. Such as when you’re on a horse in a confined space with fire around you, soldiers, people running around and kids, cameras, equipment. In cases like these, adapting is a better word than Improvising. Working with Marco Kreuzpaintner was also great fun (by the way have you watched Bodies on Netflix which he directed? So good!) - he also brings a great energy on set and is such a pleasure to work with - good vibes only. 

You have also worked in theater, in texts such as William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Importance Of Being Earnest. What is the text you would like to perform?

I love working on stage. Theatre has been my formation, my school and playground. Working live on stage is just different and I do love the community and teamwork behind every good play. And you mentioned improvisation right? On stage you have to be able to improvise because things happen! Yes, classical work is great fun and the National Theatre of Malta (which is where I worked on for The Importance Of Being Earnest, among others) is a true gem which I recommend everyone to check out if they pay a visit to the Maltese Islands. In general right now I’d like to perform more Shakespeare as I do find that his work is still so relevant today (by the way talking about Shakespeare, have you watched Emmerich’s “Anonymous”? It’s a great film! And hint: It’s about Shakespeare - watch it.). Aside from this I’m always open to new projects, scripts and collaborations. I’d also like to tell more Maltese stories and would love to take up doing theatre work in Italy too. 

Can you talk about any upcoming projects?

I am currently working on a few projects of my own and should start rehearsing a brand new play for Malta in the coming weeks. Would love to talk about it but for now I can’t. If you’d like to stay in touch with me you can do so on Instagram, Facebook (both @davidetucci) or check out my website on davidetucci.com. Meanwhile, don’t miss Those About To Die on Amazon Prime, July 19th and Peacock in the US.

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