Tom Hiddleston hosts new Disney+ documentary series on Pompeii

British actor Tom Hiddleston makes his debut as presenter and producer with the documentary series "Pompeia: Antes do Desastre" (also referred to as "Pompeia: Além do Tempo"). The programme, released on Disney+ and aired on National Geographic, follows three inhabitants of the ancient Roman city— a young apprentice, a pre‑torian guard, and a businesswoman— in the hours leading up to the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Hiddleston guides viewers through archaeological findings, geological analysis and historical reconstruction, emphasizing the emotional empathy required to recreate the lives of Pompeii’s ordinary citizens.

In an interview with CNN Brasil, Hiddleston described the project as his first experience presenting a story as himself rather than playing a fictional role, noting that the commitment and responsibility felt similar to acting. The series quickly gained popularity, reaching the Top 10 most‑watched titles on Disney+ worldwide and ranking fifth in Portugal's national viewership charts.

The production combines visual storytelling with insights from archaeologists, geologists and historians, aiming to determine whether any survivors existed after the disaster.