Summary
Iwan Rheon’s role inThose About to Dieperfectly contrasts his character Ramsay Bolton inGame of Thrones.Although it has been almost a decade since Rheon’s exit as Ramsay, the impact of his character is not less significant. Fans still viewRamsay as one of the most iconic villains, andGame of Thrones, season 6, episode 9, “Battle Of The Bastards,” where Ramsay takes center stage, is considered one of the show’s best episodes.
Those About to Dieis an upcoming action-packed television show by Peacock about the Roman Gladiators during Emperor Vespasian’s rule.Rheon plays Tenax, an underground crime boss with a tough childhood that has hardened him over the years. Viewers do not know much about Tenax, butthe trailer forThose About to Diesuggests he’s a villain, making him an interesting character to compare to Ramsay.
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Iwan Rheon’s Tenax In Those About To Die Has Echoes Of Game Of Thrones' Ramsay Bolton
Both Characters Have Malicious Intentions In Similarly-Themed Shows
Those About to DieandGame of Thronesare similar despite their different settings.Those About to Dieis a classic sword-and-sandal narrative with Gladiator heroes and scheming tyrants. Meanwhile,Game of Thronesis a high fantasy show. It might not classify as a sword-and-sandal story in the traditional sense, but it does share commonalities with the genre, such as iconic heroes and evil tyrants.Rheon’s characters in both shows are ruthless and cunning villainswho crave power. Tenax is not a ruler like Emperor Vespasian, but he has his own power and runs Rome’s criminal underworld.
Ramsay Bolton is the son of Roose Bolton, the man who allied with the Lannisters, betrayed the Starks, and took over the North. Ramsay murders his father, his stepmother, and his brother to secure the Winterfell Lordship and become Warden of the North. Ramsay’s methods are utterly despicable and cruel—fromtorturing Theon Greyjoyto abusing Sansa Stark. While viewers do not know how Tenax rises to be the criminal mastermind he is, no crime boss exists without devious schemes, so Tenax must share similarities with Ramsay.
Ramsay Bolton is much more sadistic in theA Song Of Ice And Firebooks. He also does not marry and abuse Sansa Stark but rather her friend Jeyne Poole, who poses as Arya Stark.
Iwan Rheon’s Those About To DieCharacter Has One Vital Difference To Ramsay Bolton
Tenax Has Additional Complexity Ramsay Bolton Lacks
Despite the similarities between Tenax and Ramsay Bolton, they have one vital difference in how they approach things. While Ramsay is a cruel and sadistic monster with no redeeming qualities, Tenax is more complex and seems to be operating in a more nuanced way compared to Ramsay. He appears capable of everything Ramsay does, including torture and murder, but he does it with a purpose rather than for sport.
While Ramsay relishes his monstrous activities and never has a moral compass,Tenax falls into a grayer area. He seems to be greatly influenced by his background and tragic backstory, making it easier for the audience to sympathize with him. While Ramsay is irredeemable, it’s feasible thatThose About to Diecould put Tenax on a path to redemption. This would set him apart from Ramsay in a major way, with the potential for the show to make him more of an anti-hero than an outright villain down the line.
What Else Iwan Rheon Has Appeared In Since Game Of Thrones
Iwan Rheon Exited Game of Thrones in 2016
Since his exit fromGame of Thronesin 2016,Rheon has graced television and film screens across various genres. In television, he has played other devious characters, such as Maximus in Marvel’sInhumansand Molina inWolf. However, Rheon has branched out from his typical villainous roles by playing Meurig Jenkins inMen Up, Adam Clios inRiviera, and Sam Knight inThe Green Hollow. He has also played more challenging and complex roles like Joe Pritchard inThe Light In The Hall.
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Meurig Jenkins
While Rheon has a more extended history in television, he has also appeared on the big screen quite a few times sinceGame of Thrones. Some of his roles include Papageno inThe Magic Flute, Adam inBarbarians, Mick Mars inThe Dirt, Jan Zumbach inHurricane: 303 Squadron, Dom inThe Toll, and S.U.M.1 inAlien Invasion: S.U.M.1. Despite his tendency to play villains like hisThose About to Diecharacter, Rheon’s filmography proves that he is a talented actor, capable of portraying many different types of characters.
Those About To Die
Cast
Set in the year 79 AD in Rome, “Those About to Die” dives into the brutal and complex world of gladiatorial combat. The series explores the dark underbelly of Roman entertainment, where the promise of free food and blood-soaked spectacles keep the restless population in check. The narrative focuses on various characters from all corners of the Roman Empire, whose lives intersect in the grand arena.
Game Of Thrones
Based on George R. R. Martin’s ongoing A Song of Ice and Fire novel series, Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. It follows noble families like the Starks, Lannisters, and Targaryen vying for control of the Iron Throne while a rising threat from the undead looms in the North. The series received significant critical success and amassed a loyal fan base due to its high production values, sprawling sets, iconic characters, and shocking twists.
