The Pompeii movie is a 2014 historical action-adventure film directed by Paul W.S. Anderson. The story follows Milo, a Celtic gladiator, who races to save his love, Cassia, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, as Mount Vesuvius erupts and destroys the ancient Roman city of Pompeii.
The eruption of Mount Vesuvius over the city of Pompeii is one of history’s most famous disasters. Hollywood brought this story to the big screen in the 2014 film, Pompeii. With so many historical movies available, many viewers ask the same question: Is this particular Pompeii movie worth your time?
Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, this disaster epic mixes a gladiator love story with the real-life volcanic eruption. The film has sword fights, political drama, and a romance, all set against the backdrop of the coming disaster. In this detailed Pompeii movie review, we’ll cover the plot and the cast, including stars Kit Harington and Emily Browning. We’ll also discuss its historical accuracy and tell you where to stream the 2014 Pompeii film.
So, let’s travel back to 79 A.D. to explore everything you need to know about the Pompeii (2014) film. As one of our many individual movie reviews, this guide will start by looking at the movie’s plot.
What is the Pompeii (2014) Movie About?
A Gladiator’s Story Amidst Disaster
The Pompeii (2014) movie is set in the doomed Roman city of its title. It tells a dramatic story of love and revenge as a massive volcano is about to erupt. The main character is Milo (Kit Harington), a Celtic gladiator. He was enslaved after Roman soldiers killed his family. He arrives in the lively city of Pompeii wanting revenge.
While in Pompeii, Milo meets Cassia (Emily Browning), the daughter of a rich merchant. They feel an instant connection. However, their forbidden romance faces big problems. The main villain is the corrupt Senator Corvus (Kiefer Sutherland). Corvus also wants Cassia and is the man responsible for the death of Milo’s family. This sets up a personal fight for justice and survival.
As this drama unfolds, a much bigger danger appears. Mount Vesuvius, the huge volcano overlooking Pompeii, begins to rumble. The sounds become more and more threatening. The ancient city faces a disaster like no other. The film builds tension by showing people enjoying their lives, unaware of the fiery fate that awaits them. The movie then becomes a race against time. Milo must fight for his freedom, Cassia’s love, and his own survival.
Historical Accuracy vs. Hollywood Spectacle
It’s important to remember that Pompeii (2014) is a Hollywood movie first. Its main goal is to be exciting entertainment. The film changes many historical facts for the story. It mixes real events with an exciting, fictional plot. The goal is to be a thrilling disaster movie, not a history lesson.
Historically, the city of Pompeii was buried by ash after the massive eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD [1]. The film shows how terrifying and big this event was. However, most of the characters and their relationships are made up for the movie. For example, the gladiator revolt and the political plots are mostly fictional. They exist to make the story more dramatic. In addition, the escape scenes and gladiator fights are designed to look more exciting and have a big visual impact.
Despite these changes, the movie is an amazing spectacle. It has breathtaking visual effects. The way it shows the volcano eruption is very impressive. It also shows the complete destruction it caused. The film is a thrilling journey, even though it’s not historically accurate. It explores themes like class, love, and survival against all odds. If you are looking for an action-packed disaster movie with some romance, this film is a great choice. If you want a story that is historically accurate, a documentary might be a better fit.
For fans of historical disaster movies, Pompeii (2014) is a good example of the genre. Here are some similar films:
| Movie Title | Year | Key Elements |
|---|---|---|
| Gladiator | 2000 | Roman Empire, revenge, gladiator fights, epic scale |
| The Last Days of Pompeii | 1959 | Pompeii setting, disaster, historical drama |
| San Andreas | 2015 | Modern disaster, survival, intense action |
| 2012 | 2009 | Global catastrophe, survival, massive special effects |
Who is in the Pompeii movie cast?
Kit Harington as Milo
Kit Harington plays Milo, an enslaved gladiator who wants freedom and revenge. Many fans know him as Jon Snow from the fantasy epic Game of Thrones [2]. Harington brings a serious and physical presence to the role of Milo.
He portrays Milo as a skilled fighter driven by a tragic past. Harington trained for months for the role, and it shows in his fight scenes. His chemistry with Emily Browning’s Cassia also adds emotional depth, grounding the disaster movie in a personal romance.
Emily Browning as Cassia
Emily Browning plays the spirited and defiant Cassia. She is a young noblewoman facing a forced marriage but finds forbidden love with Milo. Browning is known for her work in films like Sucker Punch and Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events [2].
Browning gives a strong performance. Her Cassia is not a damsel in distress; she is strong-willed and kind. She fights the corruption around her and becomes a memorable character. Cassia is the heart of the film’s romance.
Kiefer Sutherland as Senator Corvus
Every good disaster movie needs a great villain. Kiefer Sutherland plays the part well as the corrupt and power-hungry Senator Corvus. Sutherland, famous for his role as Jack Bauer in the series 24, expertly portrays a man consumed by greed [2].
Corvus is the film’s main villain and a character you’ll love to hate. Sutherland gives Corvus a chilling arrogance that makes him a real threat to Milo and Cassia. His performance raises the stakes and adds human conflict to the story of the natural disaster.
Supporting Cast & Characters
The Pompeii movie cast includes a talented group of supporting actors. They add depth to the story by playing key characters. Here are a few notable performers:
- Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Atticus: A tough gladiator who goes from Milo’s rival to his ally. Akinnuoye-Agbaje brings a powerful presence to the role.
- Jared Harris as Severus: Cassia’s father, a wealthy merchant trying to protect his family and business.
- Carrie-Anne Moss as Aurelia: Cassia’s mother. Moss plays a mother trying to survive in a dangerous political world.
- Jessica Lucas as Ariadne: Cassia’s loyal handmaiden. Lucas provides a kind and supportive presence.
- Joe Pingue as Graecus: A brutal fight promoter who shows the harsh reality of gladiator life.
Together, this cast creates a rich picture of ancient Pompeii. Their performances improve the personal stories within the larger disaster movie. Each character is important and adds to the film’s tension and emotion. The full cast makes the world feel real before its tragic end.
Can you watch the Pompeii movie on Netflix?
Current Streaming Availability
Is the Pompeii movie on Netflix? As of June 2024, the 2014 film Pompeii is not available on Netflix in most countries. Streaming rights for movies often move between different services, so it is not currently part of their library [3].
However, availability can change based on your location. It’s always a good idea to check your local Netflix app just in case. Even if it’s not on Netflix, there are still many other ways to see the movie.
Where to Rent or Buy Pompeii
If you can’t stream Pompeii, you can still rent or buy it online. The movie is easy to find on many popular platforms.
Here are the common platforms where you can rent or buy the film:
- Digital Rental Options: When you rent the movie, you can watch it for a limited time, usually 48 hours after you press play.
- Prime Video
- Google Play
- YouTube Movies
- Apple TV
- Vudu
- Microsoft Store
- Digital Purchase Options: If you buy the film, you own a digital copy and can watch it as many times as you like.
- Prime Video
- Google Play
- YouTube Movies
- Apple TV
- Vudu
- Microsoft Store
These services usually offer the film in both standard and high-definition. By purchasing the film, you can enjoy the story of Milo and Cassia whenever you want.
Is it available to download?
Yes. If you buy Pompeii digitally, most platforms let you download the movie. This means you can watch it offline on your tablet, smartphone, or laptop.
For rentals, some services also offer a temporary download. This allows you to watch offline during your rental window. Always check the rules on the specific platform to see if downloading is an option. It’s perfect for long flights, commutes, or places with a poor internet connection.
Is there a Pompeii movie 2?
Exploring the Possibility of a Sequel
Many fans ask, “Will there be a Pompeii movie 2?” It’s a fair question, since Hollywood loves making sequels to big disaster movies. A story about what happened after the eruption sounds interesting. But for the 2014 film Pompeii, making a direct sequel is very difficult.
The first movie tells a full story about Milo (played by Kit Harington) and Cassia (Emily Browning). Their love story happens as Mount Vesuvius is about to erupt. The movie has a very clear and tragic ending. Almost all the main characters die in the disaster. Because of this, it’s hard to continue their story. A sequel would need new characters and a brand-new plot.
Why a Sequel is Unlikely
Even though some fans want one, a Pompeii movie 2 is very unlikely. There are a few big reasons why, and they involve both the story and the business side of movies.
- Definitive Ending: The movie ends with Pompeii being completely destroyed. The main characters, Milo and Cassia, die tragically in the eruption. There is no story left to continue.
- Box Office Performance: The movie didn’t make a lot of money. It earned about $117.8 million worldwide but cost $100 million to make [4]. Studios usually want a much bigger profit before they will fund a sequel.
- Critical Reception: Critics did not like the film. It has a low score of 33% on Rotten Tomatoes [5]. Bad reviews often stop studios from making another movie.
- Lack of Story Arc: The eruption of Mount Vesuvius was a one-time historical event. A sequel couldn’t just repeat a similar disaster. It would need a totally new story, which could take away from what made the first film special.
- No Official Announcements: So far, there have been no official announcements about a sequel. The director, Paul W.S. Anderson, and the studio, TriStar Pictures, have not mentioned any plans to make one.
Because of all this, the chance of seeing a Pompeii movie 2 is almost zero. The movie works best as a single film. Its story is completely finished, ending with the famous disaster in 79 AD.
Are There Other Versions of the Pompeii Movie?
The 2007 TV Miniseries
Besides the 2014 blockbuster film, there is another version of Pompeii’s tragic story. The 2007 BBC miniseries, simply called Pompeii [6], told the story in a different way.
Unlike the action-romance of the Kit Harington movie, the miniseries focused more on history. It showed the lives of several residents in the tense days before Mount Vesuvius erupted. The story mixed real historical people with fictional characters to create a fuller picture.
Because it was a miniseries, it had more time to tell its story. It explored the society and politics of ancient Pompeii in more detail. This gave it a stronger focus on the characters. While it isn’t as famous as the Hollywood movie, it’s a great watch for people who love history or disaster stories.
Upcoming Projects (2022/2024 Rumors)
Many people wonder if a new Pompeii movie or show is being made. You might see rumors online about projects for 2022 or 2024. However, as of now, no new Pompeii movie or major TV series has been officially announced.
Hollywood often remakes movies about historical events, so a new film is always possible. Still, any talk about a 2022 or 2024 project appears to be just a rumor. Fans often say they want more stories about ancient Rome or the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, and this excitement is likely what starts the rumors.
It’s important to separate fan rumors from official news. A direct sequel to the 2014 movie is very unlikely because of how it ended. However, a new reboot or a story told from a different angle could be made in the future. Keep an eye on industry news for updates. For now, there are no other confirmed Pompeii movie projects.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Pompeii Movie
Who is in the Pompeii movie cast?
The Pompeii movie cast includes many talented actors who bring the story to life. The film focuses on a few main characters.
Here are the main cast members:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Kit Harington | Milo, a gladiator enslaved after his family’s massacre. |
| Emily Browning | Cassia, a wealthy merchant’s daughter, Milo’s love interest. |
| Kiefer Sutherland | Senator Corvus, a corrupt Roman senator and the film’s antagonist. |
| Jared Harris | Severus, Cassia’s father, a prominent businessman. |
| Carrie-Anne Moss | Aurelia, Cassia’s mother. |
| Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje | Atticus, a formidable gladiator who becomes Milo’s ally. |
This strong cast helps drive the film’s intense story [7].
Is the Pompeii movie on Netflix?
Where you can stream movies changes often. As of our last update, the Pompeii movie is not on Netflix in most regions.
However, you can usually find it in other ways:
- Rental services: You can often rent the movie on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Apple TV, and YouTube Movies.
- Purchase options: You can also buy a digital copy from the same services to own it.
- Other streaming subscriptions: The movie sometimes appears on other services like Hulu, Peacock, or Max, depending on streaming rights in your area.
To see the most current options, use a service like JustWatch or Reelgood. They will show you where to watch the movie in your location [3].
Will there be a Pompeii movie 2?
Many fans wonder if there will be a sequel to the 2014 film. However, a Pompeii movie 2 is very unlikely because the first movie has a clear and final ending.
Here’s why a sequel probably won’t happen:
- The Story’s Ending: The movie ends with the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, which destroys the city and kills most of the characters.
- No Survivors: Since the main characters do not survive, it’s impossible to continue their story.
- Based on History: The film is based on a real historical event where the city of Pompeii was completely destroyed.
A sequel would need a totally new story and cast, disconnecting it from the first movie. Director Paul W.S. Anderson has not shared any plans for a follow-up film [8].
What year is the Kit Harington Pompeii movie?
The Kit Harington Pompeii movie was released in 2014. It came out in theaters on February 21, 2014, in the United States and Canada [9].
This was after Kit Harington became famous as Jon Snow in HBO’s Game of Thrones, which began in 2011. The film was his first major leading role in a movie, proving he could be an action star. It’s a key film from that period of his career.
Sources
- https://www.britannica.com/place/Pompeii
- https://example.com
- https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/pompeii
- https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl178553217/
- https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/pompeii_2014
- https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0846067/
- https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1921064/fullcredits/
- https://collider.com/paul-w-s-anderson-pompeii-interview/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pompeii_(film)
