Reuniting Hiddleston and ‘Loki’ Executive Producer Kevin R. Wright, the Three-Part Event Series From Plimsoll Productions Streams July 23 on Disney+
History’s most infamous volcanic disaster comes vividly to life as National Geographic unveils the official trailer and premiere date for POMPEII: OUT OF TIME WITH TOM HIDDLESTON, an ambitious three-part docudrama set to premiere on July 23 on Disney+.
Produced by Plimsoll Productions, the groundbreaking series reunites Tom Hiddleston with Loki executive producer Kevin R. Wright for a visually stunning blend of cinematic drama and investigative documentary storytelling. Together, they transport viewers nearly 2,000 years into the past, recreating the dramatic hours leading up to—and unfolding during—the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius that forever changed the ancient Roman city of Pompeii.
Far more than a retelling of a historical tragedy, Pompeii: Out of Time challenges long-held assumptions about the disaster. Guided by leading archaeologists, historians, geologists, and disaster specialists, Hiddleston uncovers compelling new evidence suggesting that many of Pompeii’s residents may have had a chance to escape, revealing untold stories of courage, resilience, sacrifice, and survival.
With a signature twist of his hand, the Golden Globe and Olivier Award-winning actor seamlessly steps into cinematic recreations, portraying the lives of real Romans whose destinies were forever shaped by one of history’s deadliest natural disasters.
The series follows the intertwined journeys of a teenage apprentice, a powerful businesswoman, and a mysterious Praetorian Guard as they confront impossible choices while Vesuvius awakens. As the volcano edges closer to eruption, each discovery draws viewers deeper into a gripping race against time—revealing who survived, who perished, and the decisions that ultimately determined their fate.
“The ancient world has compelled my imagination and curiosity for as long as I can remember: I’ve been fascinated by it all my life,” said Hiddleston.
“Classical Antiquity is the foundation and cornerstone of Western and European culture. To visit Pompeii is to feel the distance of the 2,000 years between now and then compressed. The past becomes the present; the past feels so close. Tangible, honest, and real.
“Our relationship with the past is alive—studying who we were to understand who we are. Pompeii is a gateway for that conversation. It’s a privilege to host this visually immersive and dynamic series.
“Pompeii is often remembered for how its story ended. But by looking closer, we can uncover the details of people’s lives, the choices they made, and the moments that came before the city was buried. To revisit the final hours of those ordinary people, caught in an extraordinary moment, and to help bring these remarkable human stories back into the light, is a genuine honor.”
Drawing from his experience crafting Marvel Studios’ critically acclaimed Loki, executive producer Kevin R. Wright brings a fresh cinematic perspective to historical storytelling. By combining cutting-edge archaeological discoveries, expert analysis, and emotionally driven narratives, the series reimagines Pompeii not simply as a story of destruction, but as a powerful human drama centered on resilience, hope, and survival.
“National Geographic has spent more than a century bringing the past to life through groundbreaking discoveries, exploration, and world-class storytelling,” said Tom McDonald, Executive Vice President of Content at National Geographic.
“Working with Tom and Kevin, alongside the team at Plimsoll led by showrunner Tom Barbor-Might, has been a process of inventing an entirely new genre of history programming—one which brings evidence and imagination together in a way which feels distinctive.”
Expanding on the series’ groundbreaking discoveries, National Geographic will publish a major feature on July 21 exploring three Roman cities buried during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Appearing in the August issue of National Geographic magazine, the story showcases how artificial intelligence and advanced DNA analysis are unlocking remarkable new insights into ancient Roman life.
Researchers are uncovering previously hidden details about class and gender at Oplontis, deciphering long-lost writings from the carbonized scrolls of Herculaneum, and revealing surprising discoveries about diet, disease, and everyday life through the analysis of a Pompeii latrine. Together, these findings paint a vivid portrait of a society deeply concerned with inequality, health, and the pursuit of a meaningful life—issues that continue to resonate today.
Adding to the immersive experience, the original score composed by Aisling Brouwer will be released through Hollywood Records on July 24, 2026, allowing audiences to revisit the emotional journey through its cinematic soundtrack.
Produced by Plimsoll Productions for National Geographic, POMPEII: OUT OF TIME WITH TOM HIDDLESTON promises to redefine historical documentary filmmaking by seamlessly blending science, archaeology, and dramatic storytelling into an unforgettable exploration of one of history’s greatest catastrophes—and the extraordinary human stories that emerged from its ashes.
