Tom Hiddleston, the British actor known for his role as Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has returned to his longstanding interest in the classics with the National Geographic series “Pompeii: Out of Time With Tom Hiddleston,” which premiered on July 22. In the series, Hiddleston serves as executive producer and host, exploring the lives of the inhabitants of the ancient Roman city of Pompeii as they faced the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

Drawing on his academic background in classics from the University of Cambridge, Hiddleston revisited his knowledge of Latin to engage with historical texts and inscriptions related to Pompeii. He studied the eyewitness accounts of Pliny the Younger and examined graffiti and other artefacts, collaborating with experts in archaeology and psychology to deepen the investigation into the events and experiences of that catastrophic day.

In addition to his work on “Pompeii,” Hiddleston is set to reprise his role as Loki in the upcoming Marvel film “Avengers: Doomsday,” scheduled for release in December. This fall, he will also portray explorer Edmund Hillary in “Tenzing,” a biographical film about Tenzing Norgay, the famed mountaineer who, alongside Hillary, was among the first to summit Mount Everest.

Hiddleston, 45, who lives in London with his partner Zawe Ashton and their children, maintains a disciplined daily routine centered on physical fitness. He typically wakes early between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. to stretch and run, regardless of weather conditions. Running, a practice he began in his early teens, serves as a vital part of his day, helping him prepare mentally and physically for work. His breakfast usually includes granola with Greek yogurt or kefir, accompanied by two soft-boiled eggs served on buttered toast.

When asked about his interests outside of acting, Hiddleston emphasized his passion for movement, including tennis and football. He expressed admiration for the English national football team despite their recent World Cup loss and follows Arsenal Football Club closely, often watching or rewatching their matches.

The series “Pompeii: Out of Time With Tom Hiddleston” reflects both the actor’s academic foundation and his curiosity about history, bringing an accessible and personal perspective to one of antiquity’s most powerful natural disasters.