STARZ is giving “Spartacus” fans an unexpected treat- a new 10-episode drama series “Spartacus: House of Ashur.” This upcoming series will see the return of franchise staple Steven S. DeKnight working as showrunner and executive producer.
“Spartacus: House of Ashur” will also see the return of Nick Tarabay reprising his role of the titular Ashur. A polarizing character that fans both root for while despising.
According to STARZ, the show is “a history-bending, erotic, thrilling, roller-coaster experience” that builds upon the “Spartacus” series. It will ask, “What if Ashur hadn’t died on Mount Vesuvius at the end of “Spartacus: Vengeance?” And what if he had been gifted the gladiator school once owned by Batiatus [John Hannah] in return for aiding the Romans in killing Spartacus and ending the slave rebellion?”
However, the network is not giving up if retconning Ashur’s death will affect the original characters who also perished.
“To be afforded the opportunity to return a decade later to a series you loved is such a rare, wonderful opportunity,” said DeKnight in a statement. “I could not be more excited to craft this next chapter in the Spartacus saga with STARZ, Lionsgate, and the incomparable Nick Tarabay.”
STARZ debuted “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” in 2010 and followed it up with the prequel miniseries “Spartacus: Gods of the Arena” the following year. Then “Spartacus: Vengeance” premiered in 2012, which was soon followed by “Spartacus: War of the Damned” in 2013. And ten years later we find ourselves looking at a whole new story in the franchise.
“Spartacus: House of Ashur” is produced by Lionsgate Television for STARZ. Karen Bailey and Jocelyn Sabo will be overseeing for the network and Lionsgate Television, respectively.
We’ll keep you posted on updates about “Spartacus: House of Ashur” as they become available.