Those About to Die gifted us a rare character in Season 1.
Apart from the evil gays that killed Tanya McQuoid (Jennifer Coolidge) in The White Lotus, Domitian (Jojo Macari) is one of the most evil gays to ever appear on TV in recent memory.
The character had a huge arc in Season 1, and according to series director Roland Emmerich, he is set to have an even bigger arc in Season 2.
Part of this is because due to the story’s natural progression, Domitian will have a huge impact on Rome and other characters.
He emerged as the winner in the fight for Rome’s control, making him the emperor for the foreseeable future.
However, Emmerich shared another reason.
‘Those About to Die’ Season 2 Will Feature Dual Timelines
“We hope to do a little bit what Godfather II did,” Emmerich told The Hollywood Reporter of the unconfirmed Season 2.
He referred to the film’s use of dual timelines to tell the story in the present and past, filling in some important details.
Those About to Die Season 2 will turn the clock back to ten years before the events of Season 1 and explore The Year of Four Emperors.
During this time, Rome was at a tipping point following Emperor Nero’s suicide and a power struggle ensued.
Domitian’s father Vespasian (Anthony Hopkins) was among those vying for power at the time when Domitian was 18 years old.
The power struggle was so intense that the leaders vying for it put their families at risk because dirty games were being played.
Male heirs were targeted to be killed, and Domitian would be caught up in the crossfire. Consequently, this gives him more focus in the past and present.
The Second Season Has a General Arc
Emmerich explained to Collider how the saga would play out, saying:
“We have this idea to do a Godfather Part II model. Meaning, Godfather 1 was this perfect movie, and they said, ‘What should we do?’ They went into the past. You show how all this came to be, that Domitian [sic] became emperor, and that gets his son in trouble because he’s related to him.
“They go after him and he survives. Then, on the other hand, tell the story of all these characters and what happens further. I don’t want to give that away.”
This will give the character more screen time and even evil gays deserve to do their evil gay stuff.
Over seven months since the first season premiered, Those About to Die remains in limbo without a Season 2 renewal or cancellation.