British actor Tom Hiddleston, known for his roles in Marvel’s “Loki” and the spy thriller “The Night Manager,” has brought his passion for classical history to the screen in a new documentary series titled “Pompeii: Out of Time With Tom Hiddleston.” The three-part series premiered on July 22 on National Geographic and became available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+ the following day. It explores the final day of the ancient city of Pompeii before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79.
Drawing on his background as a classics scholar, Hiddleston presents himself as an “amateur classicist” and embarks on a journey through the ruins of Pompeii and nearby Herculaneum. The show combines historical evidence with dramatic reenactments, aiming to reconstruct the lives of several inhabitants who may have survived the disaster. Hiddleston interacts with experts including archaeologists, historians, geoscientists, and psychologists to better understand the event and its human impact.
Hiddleston’s connection to the ancient world dates back to his youth. He first visited Pompeii at age 17 during a trip through Europe, an experience which he says deepened his fascination with the classical world and inspired his later studies in Latin and Greek at Cambridge University. There, he achieved top honors in classics and performed in plays in ancient Greek, linking his academic interests with his acting career.
The documentary highlights not only the historical aspects of Pompeii’s destruction but also its contemporary relevance. Hiddleston draws parallels between the missed natural warnings before Vesuvius erupted and modern ecological challenges. He emphasizes the importance of heeding such warnings and reflects on how Pompeii’s story can foster empathy for people facing crises today, including refugees.
The series features dramatized vignettes of real historical figures such as Avianius, a teenage blacksmith apprentice, and Julia Felix, a rare female business owner in Pompeii. It also imagines an evacuation scenario at Herculaneum involving a praetorian guard and the city’s elite. While some viewers may find the dramatic scenes occasionally stylized or theatrical, others appreciate the blend of scholarship and storytelling as a way to bring ancient history vividly to life.
Executive producer Kevin R. Wright said Hiddleston’s genuine enthusiasm for the classical world was key in engaging audiences. The actor continues to balance his classical pursuits with ongoing acting projects, including a film about Sir Edmund Hillary, a Broadway return in Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” and another Marvel installment.
Through “Pompeii: Out of Time,” Hiddleston aims to connect modern audiences with the human experience of the past, suggesting that understanding ancient stories can provide humility and insight relevant to today’s world.