HBO's Rome to Make Movie Comeback as Bona Dea

Submitted by bija on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 13:22

Exciting news for fans of HBO's Rome series: it looks like a film is currently in development, with script writer Bruno Heller penning the project. The film, whose working title is Bona Dea, is due to start filming in Summer 2010 and is scheduled for release in 2011.

For those of you who remember Vorenus, played by Kevin McKidd, on his deathbed at the end of the last series, the good news is that the stalwart centurion is already being written into the script for the new film. In an interview given to Associated Press, now on youtube, McKidd explains that his character may not actually have passed away, but is actually hiding in Germania, far from the empire and from Octavian, who has come to power following the battle of Actium.

In an interview with movieweb, Ray Stevenson, who plays Pullo, confirmed: “It is no longer a smoke and mirrors rumour. The script is in full development.” He adds that Rome's writer and creator, Bruno Heller, is not likely to lose his two central characters: “That guy has a soft spot for Pullo and Vorenus. I don't think he will let the ball drop. I don't think he will disappoint. He never pulled his punches with the hard drama or the social status, or the action sequences. He put full honesty into the characters.”

Of course a film isn't quite the same as a third series - one sitting and it's all over - but this is definitely one to look forward to.

Read 38 comments, or leave your own

About The Author

Bija Knowles (follow me: e-mail or

)

Last three pieces by this author:

300 Looted Antiquities Displayed in the Colosseum | Hoard of 52,500 Roman Coins Discovered Near Frome by Metal Detectorist | Roman Villa Discovered Near Tewkesbury

Bija Knowles is a freelance journalist based outside Rome, Italy. She graduated in Italian and English Literature from the University of Birmingham, UK, and her main areas of interest are art, travel and history in Italy.

Comments

Keith Payne:

Yes!!!

(hands in the air!)

I am a total Rome geek.

Wed, 09-09-2009 00:28

Visitor:

It's a shame Mark Antony will no longer be in the film.

Wed, 09-09-2009 02:36

Oliver Frey:

Hope this works out. It'll be interesting to see what storyline the film will encompass… Also, transition from small to large screen can often be problematical: fingers crossed!

Wed, 09-09-2009 10:24

bija:

The return of Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo are confirmed (I understand that there will be an explanation for Vorenus's comeback, ie, he wasn't really dead in the last scene of series 2 - rather than the film being a 'prequel' as some have suggested). I don't think they'll be able to pull any such trick with Mark Anthony's character though - he undeniably died after the battle of Actium, and I don't think even the best scriptwriters could get around that...

It WILL be very interesting to see how the series makes the transition to big screen... It worked *quite* well for Sex and the City, but the film version left me feeling like I'd just eaten cake for dinner, too quickly... with all the loose ends tying together a little too neatly and too quickly in time for the final credits, in a way that doesn't happen in a tv series, where there is time to develop tension, character, mood, quiet moments and detail over time. I hope the film version of Rome won't become a potted, neat, sanitised version of its former self, but I fear it might. However, if a third series isn't an option, then I'm looking forward to seeing what Heller will come up with...

Thu, 10-09-2009 14:40

Ann:

*grmbls at Bija* Could you next time put a spoiler alert? I did not get past season I, somewhere halfway yet, and now... he's dead?!!! *cries*

Thu, 10-09-2009 14:27

bija:

Sorry Ann, I thought most people knew that Mark Antony met a sticky end ;-) As for Vorenus... it seems that nobody is dead in the world of Hollywood scriptwriters!

Wed, 04-11-2009 11:56

Nomad:

Bona Dea, indeed! Come keep track of all things Rome Movie here:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=97645771496&ref=ts

Nomad

Tue, 15-09-2009 01:57

Robert Norwood:

Some stories and their characers are so dear to us that we imagine different, more suitable endings. I refused to let myself believe that Vorenus actually died. What helped is that we did not actually see his death thus leaving one room to imagine he survived, took some treasure out of Egypt, and settled where he could live in peace and anonymity. After all, he did - and only out of his sense of commitment, loyalty and Roman honour, stay with Mark Antony to the end. Young Caesar could have understood that given his knowledge of the man but a faked death made it easier on everyone. Caesar's favvourable comment on Vorenus at the end and the fact that he did not question his death any further also lent credence that, true or not, he was willing to let it pass. Vorenus had done enough; it was time to get out.

Sat, 24-10-2009 18:39

Fred Habenicht:

Bija,

These are two fine actors who carried the series. Totally immersed in the entire series and miss it VERY much. A return in any form of these characters will be great. Am 62 and have seen many fine films in my day but, guess can now be classified as a Rome junkie. Shame Heller did not, I guess ??, realize what a hit this would become.

Thanks for your blog and updates.... I scour the net for news of any upcoming release(s).

Just an ol Texan

Fred

Sat, 05-12-2009 13:01

Harold McKee:

I loved the series, being a fan of ancient history & historical fiction. The series took many liberties, but kept the spirit of the times real, and had enough anachronistic humor to remind us it's not a documentary. I had expected Vorenus to recover and take his family to Judah for a while, & Pullo to go along to keep Cesarion in hiding if necessary. That way they could keep the Jewish assassin, a great character, in the series.

Fri, 05-03-2010 22:01

Ann:

Worst thing, in mean while... we must suffer 'Spartacus Blood and Sand' ... :/

Sat, 06-03-2010 00:48

Joan Walsh:

I'm thrilled beyond words. Not only did my family faithfully watch the HBO series for two years, but we bought the dvd's of both seasons to enjoy it again with the "special features" section and historical anecdotes. As a former Latin teacher and aficionada of Roman (& Greek) history, I love to "stay connected." We can't wait to see Kevin McKidd and Ray Stevenson grace the big screen. Vorenus and Pullo are the best roles each of them has ever played. Kudos and gratitude to the genius (or Dea Bona) for resuscitating them.

Thu, 18-03-2010 21:16

dave behrens:

We loved the series and thought it ended way too soon. Probably too expensive to produce...but what great sets and stories there were. If there is a movie, I'll go to the actual movies for the first time in over ten years.

Sun, 21-03-2010 23:36

Alberto T:

Get ready for the ride of your life. Film fans just love epic historical gladiator movies, films like Gladiator, Ben Hur, Spartacus always set the pulses racing.

Mon, 12-04-2010 20:38

Alberto :

Get ready for the ride of your life, if the Rome series is just a taster of things to come - well, book me in for the next big installment on the big screen. It's a shame that the original series ended prematurely - especially with all the talent they had at their disposal.

Mon, 12-04-2010 20:44

Mark Ostrom:

Hi, Fred
If you dig deep, you will find that HBO pulls the plug early on many shows! "Rome" was not just a "Show"! It was an education made entertaining. The production was hugely expensive and while the actors were very thankful to be in such a special EVENT in TV history, the actors suffered many hardships due to heat exhaustion, dysentary, etc. The story was fact, the characters were real excet for Pulo! If you read Gaius Julius Caeesars autobiography on the Gallic wars, you will find that there was a Centurion by the name of Verenus and was thought highly of him! I don't know if he was a Prefect or asked to be a senator for his hill By the way, Bruno Heller did not want it to end. If you read his story, he had season 3 and 4 in mind while 1 was being shot. They built the buildings and streets on location in Rome. They did the best and most factual that they could find right down to there religion! Mythra
Well I could go on and on. Rome was an absolute diamond. The Sopranos was fun to watch, you could say evolutionary to Rome. However, I would have gladly seen HBO switch investments to Rome any day! Please check this sight if you have not already done so.

http://www.hboasia.com/rome/cast/index.html
Respectfully, Mark

Mon, 31-05-2010 06:46

Mark Ostrom:

Hello Joan
Is it true that If you read Gaius Julius Caesars autobiography on the Gallic wars, you will find that there was a Centurion by the name of Verenus and was thought highly of ! I don't know if he was a Prefect or asked to be a senator for his hill. Maybe you could add something to all of this!
Thank you, Mark

Mon, 31-05-2010 06:54

Ann:

Hi Mark, no Verenus, but a Vorenus... . He had a rival named.. Pullo. =) They star only once in the "Commentarii de Bello Gallico" and are two centurions of the 11th legion, and rivals for promotion. When fighting the Nerviers, Pullo gets in trouble, Vorenus comes to the aid. Then Vorenus gets in trouble, and Pullo comes to his help. They both live. (Nothing more about them in the commentaries, though. He did say they were brave. :p)

// that is according to my Dutch translation, but quite convinced that one is accurate

Mon, 31-05-2010 10:46

Ann:

Oh, and I agree on HBO ditching good series. They got rid of Carnivale waayyyy to soon. :( I even bought the first DVD box. (As by the time I finished seeing that one, I heard there was not going to be a series three, I did not bother to purchase the second one though, regardless how good the series was. There - very small, but still - loss.)

Mon, 31-05-2010 10:49

rowland cotterill:

I thought Rome was the best thing on that storyline since, well, Shakespeare. And I'm hoping Bruno Heller does a Dynasty on us and reveals that not only Vorenus but also Antony and Cleopatra never really died and the last two thousand years have been a bad dream...

Tue, 08-06-2010 21:48

Aaron A:

i wouldn't say vorenus dies in the last season it shows him holding vorena's hand and then pullo goes to see octavian and tells him vorenus is dead he said ceasaren is dead also it would be easy to bring vorenus back but antony is definitely gone i hope they do this movie i can't wait....

Mon, 21-06-2010 21:36

John Graham:

Did anyone ever notice that Bruno Heller pulled the characters of Lucius Verenus and Titus Pullo from Colleen McCullough's novel "Caesar"? See page 70 where Quintus Cicero is speaking to one of his primuspilus centurions, Titus Pullo who then turns around and speaks to his pilus prior confederate, Lucius Vorenus!! I never saw or heard anything about this in the "making of" DVD shorts....??? Other than the fact that in the HBO series Bruno has Titus Pulls a a ranker and not a centurion, the names and other facts about the characters are exactly the same...interesting!!

Thu, 08-07-2010 19:06

proto:

Rome season 3 should be a 11 episodes season and be from where season 2 ends ( 29 BC ), until the dead of augustus in 14 AD,

Wed, 14-07-2010 14:05

CF:

:D I am way too excited !!!!!! I felt to sad when the show got cancelled, and I definitely resented the crammed last few episodes. For what I understand, five seasons were originally planned, not two. Nonetheless, this is on the top of my list. I can not wait until the movie comes out. I can only pray that it conquers the fan's expectations.

Funny fact- I watched the two seasons with my roommate, I think two summers ago. We made up all these funny jokes about the show. I used to call her "Pullo" and she used to call me "brother Vorenus" lol.

Thu, 15-07-2010 02:35

Christoph:

Ouch.............................. But the movie is a definite excitement.

Fri, 16-07-2010 14:40

Em:

Maybe they will have flashbacks :)

Fri, 23-07-2010 12:34

TripleM:

watched the series when my husband and I were in the UK and we both fell in love with ROME almost before the first episode ended. Have been huge fans ever since. I was ecstatic to learn that the movie is slotted for next year! unfortunately now that we are back in Malaysia, and being mostly a muslim country, i doubt very much that we'll get to see the uncut, uncensored version here. guess, will have to wait until the dvd is out and get it from overseas. till then, i'll be watching and rewatching our dvds of seasons 1 n 2.

Tue, 03-08-2010 17:09

shauntinece smith:

id really wish theyd bring back the series.... but hey ill settle for the movie..... ill miss mark anthony..........

Sun, 29-08-2010 01:44

ADASTRA:

VORENUS WAS THE ONLY MAJOR PLAYER IN THE FILM TO DIE ONLY BY INFERENCE. HELLER HAS A SOFT SPOT FOR THOSE TWO AND PURPOSELY LEFT IT AMBIGUEOUS SO HE COULD USE HIM AGAIN AND MAKE ALL OF OUR DAYS....

Thu, 07-10-2010 04:39

Luis URBINA:

It seems Vorenus and Titus Pullo were the most claimed. We are not sure Vorenus even existed, and if he did, for sure he was nothing as the one we have seem. The real Julius Caesar mentions one time some Vorenus in his memories and this is where they got the character from. Nonetheless, I`d like to stick to real history. Some comment down there says that they are waiting to see what the writer comes up with next...THERE IS PLENTY OF MATERIAL!!! Perhaps no one knows this was one of the most popular and interesting periods of roman history! the born of the empire!! Maybe you should watch "I Claudius" to have a clue about what I am saying...yet, not as well made as ROME. Some people sees this serie as if it was a Soup Opera. COME ON!

Mon, 01-11-2010 17:26

toosinbeymen:

Does this mean the series will advance beyond the Augustus era? Maybe move into Tiberius, Caligula or best of all Claudius? Plenty of material. No worries about getting bogged down and stale.

Thu, 04-11-2010 20:53

happywizard:

Look here: http://adf.ly/CoMe

Fri, 24-12-2010 08:51

christie.a.ray:

I loved the series, even if they took some liberties, and I hope the movie doesn't disappoint. I would have preferred to see the series follow through to the end of the Julio-Claudian line (just to see HBO versions of those crazy emperors), even if Pullo and Vorenus had to die off for that to happen. It would have been awesome to see an HBO version of Nero losing his mind and setting fire to the city (or whatever version of history they would deem to be most dramatic)!

Mon, 03-01-2011 15:17

adını feriha koydum 9.bölüm fragmanı:

Have been huge fans ever since. I was ecstatic to learn that the movie is slotted for next year! unfortunately now that we are back in Malaysia, and being mostly a muslim country, i doubt very much that we'll get to see the uncut, uncensored version here. guess, will have to wait until the dvd is out and get it from overseas.

Tue, 01-03-2011 17:34

CleverOne:

Whaaaatttt! Spartacus is a magnificent show. Its Rome + 300 and is going to get much better and unlike Rome it will continue for many more seasons. Rome was a great show but it was lacking in intensity and raw violence. Now tell me what is a show about Rome without the glorious battles and gladiator fights? Rome completely skipped major battles showing only a few scenes of them and, lacking blood and gore. Not many shows can keep the viewer interested with EVERY single episode and Spartacus is one that did.

Sat, 02-04-2011 03:57

Team Builder:

<p>While traditional Medicaid is a program of uneven quality, with large variations by state, the record of for-profit HMOs in treating Medicaid patients has clearly been worse. Florida officials banned twenty-one of the state’s twenty-nine Medicaid HMOs from expanding enrollment several years ago after systematic</p>
<p>
<meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type">
<meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId">
<meta content="Microsoft Word 11" name="Generator">
<meta content="Microsoft Word 11" name="Originator">
<link href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CARTI%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List" /><style type="text/css">

</style> </meta>
</meta>
</meta>
</meta>
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.accolade-corporate-events.com/indoor-team-building-index.html">Team Builder</a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>
<meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type">
<meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId">
<meta content="Microsoft Word 11" name="Generator">
<meta content="Microsoft Word 11" name="Originator">
<link href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CARTI%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List" /><style type="text/css">

</style> </meta>
</meta>
</meta>
</meta>
</p>

Fri, 05-08-2011 04:32

Minepedia Crafting:

<p>Thank you for your sharing.</p>

Tue, 23-08-2011 15:25

Gejolak:

<p>Thanks for the video, You got a really useful blog I have been here reading. I am a newbie and your post is valuable for me.</p>

Wed, 05-10-2011 19:42

Interesting Articles And Blog Posts

Sites And Sights Of Rome

Rome has plenty of ancient sites and fascinating monuments. But what are the top sights for the time-pushed visitor?

Top 5 fiction books on ancient Rome

Historical fiction is one of the most popular literary genres, and the ancient Romans provided plenty to write about. We asked author and writer Roger Michael Kean for his five favourite fiction books inspired by ancient Rome.

Interesting Publications