National Geographic has officially unveiled the trailer and premiere date for Pompeii: Out of Time with Tom Hiddleston, an ambitious new three-part docudrama set to debut on Disney+ on July 23. Produced by Plimsoll Productions, the series combines cinematic drama with investigative documentary storytelling to bring one of history’s most devastating disasters vividly back to life.
Reuniting after their acclaimed work on Marvel’s Loki, Tom Hiddleston and executive producer Kevin R. Wright take viewers on a journey to ancient Rome, exploring the final hours before and during the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79.
Guided by leading archaeologists, historians, geologists, and disaster experts, Hiddleston uncovers groundbreaking evidence that challenges long-held beliefs about Pompeii’s destruction. The series reveals compelling new insights into the lives of the people caught in the tragedy—and suggests that many may have had a chance to escape.
With a dramatic twist worthy of the God of Mischief himself, Hiddleston steps into immersive scripted sequences inspired by real historical figures. Through the stories of a teenage apprentice, an influential businesswoman, and a mysterious Praetorian Guard, viewers witness the impossible decisions ordinary Romans faced as disaster loomed.
As Vesuvius awakens and the clock ticks toward catastrophe, the series transforms into a gripping race against time, exploring who survived, who perished, and what ultimately determined their fate.
“The ancient world has fascinated me for as long as I can remember,” said Hiddleston. “To visit Pompeii is to feel the distance of 2,000 years collapse. The past becomes tangible, immediate, and real. Pompeii is often remembered for how its story ended, but this series allows us to look closer at the people who lived there—their choices, hopes, and final moments. Helping bring these extraordinary human stories back into the light has been a genuine honor.”
Executive producer Kevin R. Wright brings the same bold cinematic approach that helped make Loki a global success, blending cutting-edge archaeological discoveries, expert analysis, and deeply personal storytelling. The result is a fresh perspective on Pompeii—not simply as a story of destruction, but as a powerful tale of resilience, sacrifice, and survival.
“National Geographic has spent more than a century bringing history to life through exploration, discovery, and world-class storytelling,” said Tom McDonald, Executive Vice President of Content for National Geographic. “Working with Tom Hiddleston, Kevin Wright, and the talented team at Plimsoll has allowed us to create an entirely new kind of history programming—one that seamlessly blends evidence and imagination.”
Ahead of the series premiere, National Geographic magazine will publish a major feature on July 21 examining three Roman cities buried by Mount Vesuvius. The article highlights groundbreaking research using artificial intelligence and advanced DNA analysis, revealing new insights into Roman society, including social inequality, health, gender dynamics, and everyday life in Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Oplontis.
Adding to the immersive experience, the original soundtrack composed by Aisling Brouwer will be released through Hollywood Records on July 24, 2026.
Pompeii: Out of Time with Tom Hiddleston premieres July 23 exclusively on Disney+, offering viewers a breathtaking blend of history, science, and human drama unlike anything seen before.
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