If you thought you could forget about the Roman Empire, think twice. After the viral trend that shook the girls when they discovered their boyfriends thought about it way more often than they had anticipated, it seemed like we finally could move on. Until now. Because from July 18th, new hit TV series Those About to Die (streaming on Peacock in the US, and Amazon Prime elsewhere) is bringing gladiator fights, social drama, and political schemes to the screens again. And one of its main characters, Tenax, is played by someone you certainly know: Iwan Rheon.
After starring in Misfits and Game of Thrones, the Welsh actor is ready to serve a new character that will divide the audience’s opinion. “I always like to play a conflict within the character,” Iwan tells us in this interview. “Tenax is torn between despising the patrician hierarchy and wanting to be a part of it.” Because, let’s face it, we hate the rich but we also want to become part of the privileged club. And plotting against those in power to overtake their positions is actually very, very Ancient Rome. So before you get (too) comfortable on the couch and binge-watch the first season of Those About to Die, hear what Iwan has to say about his character, approach to acting, and becoming a history geek.
Hi Iwan, it’s a pleasure to speak with you. How are you feeling today, and where do you answer us from?
Hi! Great, thanks. I’m currently in LA at the moment. Enjoying the sun!
I first knew you through Misfits, a series that I loved in my teens—it was like a golden age of British TV series for a Tumblr teen like me, with others like Skins marking a before-and-after moment in my life. How do you feel that significant role changed your life as well?
It was my first television role in English so it feels like the very beginning to me. I had been doing theatre in London and Misfits was my first dive into TV. It was a special time for me, working with great people who were pushing the boundaries creatively. It’s amazing how the show is still being discovered today by new audiences.
I then saw you again at Game of Thrones. From the shy Simon Bellamy in Misfits to the cruel, merciless Ramsay Bolton in GoT, the shift in your character was radical. And now, you’re embodying ambitious crime boss Tenax in Those About to Die. How do you prepare for a role? Are you a method acting guy? Maybe more of a ‘I just learn my lines’ kind of guy?
I’d say I’m more of the later. I think acting is just playing. I work on the text at home and find out who the character is. Learn my lines really well so I can be free to adapt to any situation that arises on set. It’s important not to get too attached to one way of playing. Sometimes, if it’s a very emotional scene I’ll take myself to one side and stay in the zone. It’s good to be focused.
Also, Tenax feels like he’s going to be trouble, so maybe the audience is divided—just like with Ramsay. What do you look for in a character that attracts you and makes you go, ‘I want to play him’? What about Tenax caught your attention in the first place?
I always like to play a conflict within the character. Tenax is torn between despising the patrician hierarchy and wanting to be a part of it. He has to do things he doesn’t enjoy to survive the harsh streets of the underworld.
“I think acting is just playing. I work on the text at home and find out who the character is. Learn my lines really well so I can be free to adapt to any situation that arises on set.”
The series was filmed at the renowned Cinecittà studios, the most famous studio in Rome, where the likes of Federico Fellini, Francis Ford Coppola, or Pier Paolo Passolini filmed some of their most famous movies. What was the experience like? Did you feel any historical or symbolical pressure going into them?
It’s such a magical place. It’s a privilege to be there. One of my idols, Richard Burton, played a different Roman there at the same age as me, so it was very special to be there.
Also, it must’ve been lovely to be in Rome—are you tired of pizza and pasta yet? As an actor, you get to work in some unique places and see the world. But how do you handle being away from home for long periods? What would you say is the best and the worst?
Never tired of Roman food. I loved being there, I really miss it now. It is great to get to be in such different places. And filming Those About To Die in Rome was perfect because you can literally immerse yourself in the history when you’re not shooting. It’s hard being away for such a long time though. Missing your loved ones.
Before going into the series, were you a fan of Ancient Rome? What was your knowledge about it?
I know a lot more now. I had a vague knowledge of the period but I really went to town trying to understand where our show sits in the vast history of the city and empire. It was important for me to understand the conditions in which Tenax rose to where we find him at the beginning of the season. I became a bit of a history geek and I’m not ashamed of it. Though I may have driven the other cast members mad!
Also, if you could time-travel to any past era, which one would it be and why?
I think it’s impossible for me to answer with any era but Ancient Rome. But probably a bit later than our series to the Nerva-Antonine dynasty to see what life was like during the very peak of the empire.
The series relies a lot on violence and gladiator fights, but it also tackles topics surrounding ambition, power, politics, and status. As someone with privileged information, what do you think is going to be the thing that hooks the audience the most?
I think the combination of action and politics is intriguing. It moves at a fast pace and you get to see a real cross section of Roman society in the period. Also punctuated by historical events that people will recognise. Some very explosive moments that happened in 79, if you know what I mean…
“It was important for me to understand the conditions in which Tenax rose to where we find him at the beginning of the season. I became a bit of a history geek and I’m not ashamed of it.”
You’re starring alongside legend Anthony Hopkins, whose work I’m sure you’ve admired for a long time. So tell us, what was it like working with him?
The emperor is probably the only character that Tenax doesn’t share a scene with, which was rather devastating for me. But from what others have said to me, he’s an absolute legend.
In the past, you’ve also worked with other masters like Sir Ian McKellen and Derek Jacobi. Is there any lesson, tip or advice they’ve given you as a young actor that you'd like to share as well?
It’s more the way they conduct themselves so gracefully and generously that has influenced me. They’re always hungry to work and improve their performance.
It seems like the Roman Empire is having its moment. This year, in addition to your series, there’s also the much-awaited sequel to Gladiator by Ridley Scott, starring Irish darling Paul Mescal. Are you excited about it?
I am. I’m a big fan of his and Gladiator is one of my favourite films. Can’t wait to see it in the cinema.
One of your most recent films, Men Up, was a humourous drama about masculinity and mental health, and was about the trial of a new drug that would later become Viagra. Now you’re starring in a very macho-esque, violent series. So it’s quite a contrast. What would you say you’ve learnt about masculinity throughout these roles?
I’ve tried to learn about masculinity as a man. Also being a father. Certainly, how men need to talk more and reach out. Ancient Rome was incredibly patriarchal and macho. I’m glad we’re not as bad as that anymore though we have a long way to go.