Tom Hiddleston hosts National Geographic's Pompeii docuseries

Actor Tom Hiddleston, known for playing Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is the host of a new National Geographic docuseries that explores the final day of Pompeii. The three-part series, titled "Pompeii: Out of Time," features Hiddleston as a "time detective" who brings the ancient city's residents to life through dramatic reenactments and scientific analysis.

The series was inspired by Hiddleston's role in the Disney+ show "Loki," where his character time-travels to Pompeii. Executive producer Kevin Wright, who also worked on "Loki," said Hiddleston's passion for storytelling made him the ideal guide. Hiddleston studied classics at Cambridge University and visited Pompeii as a teenager, an experience he credits with indirectly influencing his acting career.

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE buried Pompeii and Herculaneum under ash and pumice, killing thousands. The docuseries aims to make the disaster relatable by focusing on individual stories, using the latest archaeological evidence. Wright hopes Hiddleston's involvement will attract viewers who might not normally watch a documentary about ancient history.

The series premieres on National Geographic, with episodes airing on consecutive nights. It combines expert interviews, CGI, and Hiddleston's narration to reconstruct the eruption's timeline and its impact on the city's inhabitants. No further seasons have been announced, but the show's unique approach could pave the way for more celebrity-hosted historical documentaries.