Actor Tom Hiddleston explores the destruction of Pompeii in a new National Geographic documentary series premiering on Disney+.

Actor Tom Hiddleston hosts a new National Geographic documentary titled Pompeii: Out of Time, which examines the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. The series, which premieres Thursday on Disney+, utilizes both expert interviews and dramatic reconstructions to explore the events of the disaster. Hiddleston, who holds a degree in classics, serves as the primary presenter, investigating the timeline of the eruption and the experiences of the people living in the city at the time.

Documentary Format and Style

The documentary series focuses on the idea that the destruction of Pompeii was not instantaneous, but rather occurred over the course of a day. To illustrate this, the show features a revisionist approach that allows for the exploration of different choices made by individuals during the event. Hiddleston interacts with various specialists and scholars throughout the episodes, while the production incorporates creative license to tell evidence-based stories of three specific Roman individuals.

Dramatic Reconstructions

While Hiddleston remains in the present day, the series includes dramatic sequences written by Jessica Ruston and Mark Ravenhill. These segments depict the eruption as a disaster film, focusing on the human experience of the catastrophe. The documentary aims to evoke empathy for the residents of Pompeii, presenting the event as a significant human tragedy.