John Malkovich Receives an Ancient Rome Death Sentence in Seneca Trailer

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John Malkovich Receives an Ancient Rome Death Sentence in Seneca Trailer

ComingSoon is debuting an exclusive look at the Seneca trailer, a new historical drama starring John Malkovich that’s set to arrive next month.

What happens in the Seneca trailer?

The Seneca trailer follows the story of the philosopher Seneca in 65 AD in Rome. After serving as Emperor Nero’s mentor and close advisor, Nero betrays his confidant and tries to frame him as being behind an assassination attempt before telling the man he must die. The film is based on historical sources and original texts from Seneca.

Seneca is set to release on all North American digital HD internet, cable, and satellite platforms, as well as on DVD, on April 8, 2025.

Check out the exclusive Seneca trailer below

Seneca is directed by Robert Schwentke and co-written by Schwentke and Matthew David Wilder. Alongside Malkovich, Seneca also stars Tom Xander, Geraldine Chaplin, Mary-Louise Parker, and the late Julian Sands.

“The year is 65 AD in Rome. The philosopher Seneca has been Emperor Nero’s mentor and close advisor since childhood, and has been significantly involved in his ascent. Nevertheless, Nero grows weary of Seneca and uses a foiled attack on his life to falsely accuse Seneca of being an accomplice,” reads the film’s official synopsis.

“Whilst throwing a decadent party at his farmhouse, Seneca receives his surprising death sentence from Emperor Nero, delivered by a messenger. He must be dead by morning. This last night becomes his final test: Who is he really? An opportunist, hypocrite, and collaborator? Or, according to his self-image, a morally upright wise man able to look death in the face without fear?”