Cast and contributors of docu-drama Barbarians Rising

MANILA, Philippines – History has announced the cast and contributors for the global eight-part docu-drama, Barbarians Rising. The stars portray the legendary warriors as they’re engaged in one of mankind’s most timeless struggles — the fight for freedom.

Barbarians Rising features the true stories of nine of history’s greatest warriors. The cast includes Nicholas Pinnock (Captain America: The First Avenger; Fortitude) as Hannibal, who vowed a blood oath at the age of nine to destroy Rome; Ben Batt (The Edge of Love; Shameless [UK]) as Spartacus, the slave-turned-rebel who led a barbarian revolt; Kirsty Mitchell (The Royal Today, River City) as Boudica, the avenging Celtic warrior Queen; Tom Hopper (Black Sails, Merlin) as Arminius, the son of Germany surrendered to Rome; Emil Hostina (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Parts I and II) as Attila, scourge of the east; Gavin Drea (What Richard Did; Love/Hate) as Alaric, the king of the Goths; Steven Waddington (The Imitation Game) as Fritigern, the warrior who took down an Emperor; Richard Brake (Batman Begins, Game of Thrones) as Geiseric, the last barbarian standing; and Jefferson Hall (Vikings, Game of Thrones) as Viriathus, the shepherd-turned-rebel leader.

Barbarians Rising tells the story of the rise and fall of the Roman Empire from the perspective of the barbarian rebel leaders. It is a visceral journey into the heart of a wave of rebellions against absolute power. The Roman Empire called them barbarians — tribes the Romans viewed beyond the fringe of civilization that lived a brutish and violent existence. However, these were also men and women who launched epic struggles that shaped the world to come. 

The docu-drama reveals the true story of the 700-year battle to bring down one of strongest empires the world has ever known. Barbarians Rising is a global co-production for History in the US and internationally. The limited event series is slated to premiere on June 7 at 9 p.m.

Barbarians Rising is a global co-production for History channels worldwide produced by October Films. Executive producers are Kristen Burns, Russ McCarroll and Paul Cabana. Adam Bullmore is executive producer, Simon George (History’s World War II From Space) is executive director, and Michael Waterhouse (History’s The Bible) is series producer for October Films.