Tom Hiddleston, the actor famous for portraying Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, shares insights into his disciplined daily routine, which commences with an early morning run and a meticulously prepared six-and-a-half-minute egg. This personal glimpse into Hiddleston's life connects to his broader intellectual pursuits and newfound projects.
The discussion extends to his upcoming National Geographic series, "Pompeii: Out of Time," which premieres on July 22 on Nat Geo, followed by streaming on Disney+ and Hulu on July 23. Hiddleston's interest in Pompeii dates back to a transformative trip he took at the age of 17 with friends in 1998, which solidified his passion for ancient Greek and Roman studies, leading him to major in Classics at the University of Cambridge, including Latin courses. This early fascination eventually influenced a scene in the Marvel Studios' "Loki" series where his character travels to Pompeii just before Mount Vesuvius's eruption in 79 AD.
"Pompeii: Out of Time" is described as a docudrama where Hiddleston hosts as an "amateur classicist," investigating the fates of three real Romans—a teenage blacksmith apprentice, a businesswoman, and an unidentified Praetorian guard—during the 24-hour eruption. The series blends cinematic dramatization with investigative work, relying on experts like archaeologists, historians, and psychologists. Hiddleston, who co-produces the series under his company Ithaca, aims to make the audience feel the same profound connection to ancient history that he experienced during his first visit to Pompeii, emphasizing resilience and survival amidst destruction.
