Key Takeaways
- Actor Tom Hiddleston stars as a 'time detective' to explore the last day of Pompeii.
- The series, titled 'Pompeii: Out of Time,' is produced by National Geographic and features three parts.
- Hiddleston's connection to classics and Marvel projects influenced his involvement in the documentary.
Actor Tom Hiddleston takes on a unique role as a 'time detective' in National Geographic’s new docuseries, 'Pompeii: Out of Time.' The series delves into one of history's most famous natural disasters—Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 CE—which buried the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum under layers of ash and pumice.
Hiddleston’s journey through time is not just a narrative device; it serves as a guide for viewers to understand the daily lives of those who lived in Pompeii before their fateful day. 'Pompeii: Out of Time' aims to bring these ancient people to life, making history accessible and engaging.
The series was made possible through Hiddleston's connection with Marvel Studios. His role as Loki in Disney+’s 'Loki' included a scene set in Pompeii, which piqued his interest in the historical site. This background, combined with his academic studies at Cambridge University, where he specialized in classics, played a significant part in his involvement.
Executive producer Kevin Wright of National Geographic emphasized Hiddleston's unique storytelling ability: 'There is just a passion to the way Tom tells stories that’s infectious.' He believes this approach could attract audiences who might not typically engage with documentaries about Pompeii.
The docuseries consists of three parts, each exploring different aspects of life in Pompeii leading up to and during the eruption. Hiddleston uses his acting skills to bring characters from the past to life, making their stories relatable and compelling for modern audiences.
Hiddleston’s personal connection to classics and his visit to Pompeii as a teenager further solidified his interest. 'There is just something about the way Tom tells stories that’s infectious,' Wright said, highlighting Hiddleston's ability to captivate viewers with historical narratives.
The series aims to offer a fresh perspective on an event that has been documented extensively over the years. By using Hiddleston as a guide, it hopes to make Pompeii and its inhabitants more relatable and understandable for today’s audience.
There is just a passion to the way Tom tells stories that's infectious.
Kevin Wright, Executive producer of National Geographic
