Anthony Hopkins' new series 'Those About to Die' revives Roman empire

Rome wasn't built in a day, but Peacock's gladiator epic TV series "Those About To Die" (now streaming) was buzzing with activity during Anthony Hopkins' first afternoon as Emperor Vespasian in an Italian studio.

But it was just too much buzzing for Hopkins, 86, who still puts fear into hearts from his Academy Award-winning performance as cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lecter from 1991's "The Silence of the Lambs."

"It was loud, and Anthony was annoyed," says "Die" director and executive producer Roland Emmerich. "So he said in a very stern voice, 'Silenzio!' And from that moment on, noise wasn't a problem. When he says something, people listen."

While that's the authoritative command you're looking for when casting a Roman emperor, Hopkins makes clear that the decree was solely for the benefit of the Roman production.

"With all due respect, the Italians love to talk. And to get silence on the set is almost impossible," Hopkins says. "We're making a movie. If the assistant director cannot get the silence, they need a strong voice. So you say, 'Shut up!' That's all it takes."

Hopkins checks off many entertainment boxes playing Emperor Vespasian in "Those About to Die" (all ten episodes now streaming on Peacock). Here's what to expect:

What was Emperor Vespasian famous for?

In his six-decade career, Hopkins has been no stranger to swords-and-sandals entertainment. He starred as Old Ptolemy in 2004's "Alexander," in which the Macedonian conqueror Alexander the Great (Colin Farrell) got to wear the gold laurels.

The history buff was familiar with the history of Roman emperors, such as the conquerer Tiberius and the famously cruel Caligula. Despite the story potential to portray Caligula, he wasn't interested. "I didn't want to play Caligula; he was horrible," says Hopkins. "And it's been done before."

Emmerich made the offer to play Vespasian, who is not often the subject of many Hollywood productions. "Anthony was the first of three names on my list, and he said yes," says Emmerich.

Hopkins cracked open the history books again.

"I did some reading. He had two sons, Titus and Domitian, who were both in line to be emperor," says Hopkins. "And he was a man who brought fiscal reforms to the Roman Empire."

OK, fiscal responsibility is not exactly the attribute viewers may want to see Hopkins embody. But the money-minded Vespasian began the construction of the famed Colosseum , funded after paying off the Roman debt brought on by spendthrift showboaters like Emperor Nero.

Vespasian commands the attention of the bloodthirsty crowds at the Circus Maximus. the gladiator-battling, chariot-racing venue at the dark heart of "Die." Most of the series' drama centers on Tenax ("Game of Thrones" star Iwan Rheon), a low-born underworld figure trying to work his way up in Roman society.

Vespasian's twisted relationship with his crown-vying sons – Titus (Tom Hughes) and the scheming Domitian (Jojo Macari ) – also makes for compelling drama.

Yet history books show the most compelling fact about Vespasian's is how he died. He famously stood up from his bed after proclaiming, "An emperor should die on his feet!" The potential to bring this once-in-a-career death scene to screen elevates the interest in Hopkins's ruler to the next level.

"Anthony really embraced Vespasian. He kept telling me, 'He was the real deal,'" says Emmerich.

Hopkins is more low-key on the opportunity. "I just made sure I had someone there when I fell. I learn my lines, and I don't bump into the furniture," he adds, borrowing the James Cagney acting adage . "And I make sure my check is in the mail to my agent."

Does Anthony Hopkins get a toga in 'Those About to Die'?

Hopkins reveled in the artistry of the Roman-era handmade costumes designed by Gianni Casalnuovo. The glorious ensemble includes the must-have head garland, the ‘Corona Aurea’ (Latin for "golden crown"), bestowed to honor Vespasian's military victories. Wearing the brilliant adornment made by a skilled Italian jeweler from gold-like material was not as awe-inspiring as it looked.

"It actually hurt," says Hopkins, laughing. "Some of those leaves stuck in my head. But acting is all a game."

Along with the crown, Vespasian's Circus Maximus apparel is all about wowing the spectators, with handmade linen body armor decorated with gold along with a gold-embroidered silk cloak. To check the final box on the Roman emperor must-have list, Hopkins also appears briefly in the eighth episode wearing a richly red-colored toga. And he flexed once again during his first fitting with Casalnuovo, who says he was awestruck meeting "one of the greatest living actors alive.

"I confessed to him that I barely slept the night before. I was so nervous about meeting him," says Casalnuovo. "To my surprise, he launched into Hannibal Lecter from 'The Silence of the Lambs' and asked, 'Am I scaring you now?' It was hilarious."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Anthony Hopkins' new series 'Those About to Die' revives Roman empire