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Pompeii’s haunting plaster casts-those chilling imprints of victims caught in the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD-have long captured the imagination of historians and the public alike. But for Tom Hiddleston, the star of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and host of National Geographic’s new documentary series “Pompeii: Out of Time,” these casts evoke a profound sense of respect and reflection.
“I’ve always found these casts deeply moving because they confront us with death in a very human way,” Hiddleston, 45, shared with USA TODAY. “They aren’t just shapes frozen in time-they are real people. Initially, I wanted to tell their stories without showing the casts, out of respect for the lives these individuals led.”
The three-part series, debuting July 22, uses cutting-edge archaeology and forensic science to shed new light on the lives-and final moments-of Pompeii’s residents, as well as those who managed to escape the disaster. While the plaster casts do appear in the third episode, they are introduced only after viewers have connected with the stories of three distinct Romans: a teenage apprentice, a formidable businesswoman, and a member of the Praetorian Guard.
Experts in archaeology, history, geology, and disaster science reconstruct the last moments of these individuals by examining the artifacts they left behind. Among the striking discoveries is a gold and jeweled necklace found near the remains of a woman believed to be Julia Felix, a wealthy businesswoman whose estate included the Shrine of Isis.
“That necklace embodies everything Julia Felix represented,” Hiddleston explained. “Objects like these help us piece together lives and remind us that these were real people living in that era.”
Hiddleston’s fascination with Pompeii and the neighboring town of Herculaneum dates back to a 1998 Eurail trip across Europe when he was just 17. “Visiting Pompeii felt like stepping into a living, breathing past,” he recalled. “It’s as if the ancient world collapsed into the present-you can almost reach out and touch it.”
In Herculaneum, the remains of carbonized loaves still rest in ancient ovens, frozen at the moment of disaster. “Despite all our technological advances, the basic human experience remains much the same,” Hiddleston reflected. “That realization makes me feel connected, less alone.”
His early encounter with Pompeii inspired him to study classics at Cambridge University before pursuing acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Throughout his journey, Hiddleston has been mindful of preserving the humanity behind the casts.
“I’ve often been uneasy about how these casts are photographed-as if they were mere statues or objects-because they are not. They are people,” he said. Showing the casts at the documentary’s conclusion, he believes, honors their memory with dignity.
“These individuals were ordinary people living through extraordinary times. By the end, I hope viewers gain empathy and curiosity about their stories.”
“Pompeii: Out of Time with Tom Hiddleston” premieres on July 22 on National Geographic, with availability on Disney+ and Hulu starting July 23. The series is directed by Kevin R. Wright, executive producer of “Loki,” who returns to collaborate with Hiddleston on this powerful exploration of history and humanity.