Pompeii: Out of Time with Tom Hiddleston

Cécile van Dijk provided costume design for Pompeii: Out of Time with Tom Hiddleston, a three-part National Geographic documentary series. The series premiered in July 2026. You can find more details on the official National Geographic page.

The Documentary

The series challenges the familiar narrative of Pompeii’s destruction. Instead, it follows Tom Hiddleston as he uncovers the real stories of Romans who lived through the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Some of these Romans even survived.

The production blends documentary investigation with dramatised reconstruction. As a result, ancient Pompeii and Herculaneum come vividly to life, from the first tremors that shook the city to the final, devastating pyroclastic surges. Meanwhile, the dedicated production team filmed on location, combining expert archaeological research with immersive storytelling. Consequently, viewers gain a more nuanced picture of daily Roman life before catastrophe struck.

Costume Design Process

Costume design played a key role in grounding these historical figures in authentic period detail. Cécile van Dijk worked closely with the production’s historical advisors to create garments reflecting social status, occupation and daily life. Her work brought several real figures to life, including the teenage Avianius, the businesswoman Julia Felix, and a soldier of the Praetorian Guard.

Every fold of fabric, dye and accessory was carefully researched. Therefore, each costume reflects first-century Roman fashion accurately, from the simple tunics worn by tradespeople to the finer draped garments of wealthier households.

Bringing History to Life

This attention to historical accuracy helped translate archaeological findings into a visual language accessible to modern audiences. As a result, viewers can connect emotionally with individuals who lived — and died — nearly two thousand years ago.

This project reflects Cécile van Dijk’s ongoing expertise in historical costume design. It follows her acclaimed work on Einstein and the Bomb, where she brought a very different era to life through meticulous period detail.