Actor Tom Hiddleston, known for his roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is hosting a new three-part documentary series titled "Pompeii: Out of Time," which premiered on July 22 on National Geographic and is available on Disney+ and Hulu. The series explores the lives of those who lived through the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79, combining recent archaeological discoveries and forensic science with historical context.
Hiddleston brings a unique perspective to the project, drawing on his background in classics from the University of Cambridge and his fluency in Latin. His interest in Pompeii dates back to a 1998 trip during his youth, which inspired his academic pursuits and shaped his sensitivity to humanizing the ancient victims rather than portraying them as mere historical artifacts.
Throughout the series, viewers are introduced to individual stories reconstructed from archaeological evidence, inscriptions, and financial records. One example focuses on a teenager named Avianius, whose family experienced significant social and economic shifts following the eruption, moving from upper-class status to relative poverty over two generations. Archaeologist Steven Tuck’s Pompeii Survivors Project, featured in the series, attempts to identify individuals who survived the disaster by matching names from inscriptions before and after the eruption.
The documentary also addresses why many Pompeii residents did not evacuate despite foreshadowing earthquakes. Disaster psychologist Sarita Robinson suggests that human nature, including a deep attachment to home and family, influences the decision to stay even amid life-threatening danger—a pattern observable in natural disasters today.
Hiddleston deliberately refrains from showing the famous plaster casts of Pompeii’s victims until the final episode, expressing concern about respecting the humanity behind these haunting images. The casts, made by filling volcanic ash impressions of the victims’ bodies, have long been seen as poignant reminders of the eruption’s toll. The decision to reveal them later in the series aims to foster empathy and emphasize that these were ordinary people living extraordinary lives, rather than static relics.
The series also highlights personal artifacts, such as a gold and jeweled necklace found on a woman believed to be Julia Felix, a wealthy business owner in Pompeii. Through such finds, the show attempts to recreate the social dynamics and daily realities of the ancient city’s inhabitants.
Produced by executive producer Kevin R. Wright, "Pompeii: Out of Time" combines scientific inquiry with narrative storytelling, offering viewers a richly detailed examination of an ancient tragedy while inviting reflection on the timeless aspects of human experience in the face of disaster.