Starz greenlights ‘Spartacus: House Of Ashur’ in historical drama franchise revival

Nick Tarabay as Ashur in ‘Spartacus: Vengeance’ (Source: Starz)

US network Starz has greenlit Spartacus: House Of Ashur, a new chapter in its historical drama franchise Spartacus, with Steven S DeKnight returning as showrunner and executive producer.

Produced by Lionsgate Television for Starz, the new series will star Nick Tarabay, who reprises his role as the villainous Ashur from his time on the original show. Karen Bailey will oversee the series on behalf of Starz, while Jocelyn Sabo will oversee for Lionsgate Television.

Spartacus: House Of Ashur is being billed as a “history-bending, erotic, thrilling, roller-coaster experience” that explores what would have happened if Ashur had not died on Mount Vesuvius at the end of Spartacus: Vengeance.

Instead, it examines what if Ashur had been gifted the gladiator school once owned by Batiatus in return for aiding the Romans in killing Spartacus and putting an end to the slave rebellion.

News of a Spartacus revival was first reported back in February, though specific plot and character details were not disclosed at the time.

Spartacus: Blood And Sand debuted on Starz in 2010 and was followed by a prequel series Spartacus: Gods Of The Arena in 2011 and two additional series Spartacus: Vengeance in 2012 and Spartacus: War Of The Damned in 2013.

The shows chiefly followed the story of the titular gladiator, a historical figure, who led a slave uprising against the Roman Republic around 73BC.

“A decade ago the groundbreaking original Spartacus captivated viewers worldwide and we’re excited to deliver more enthralling, high-octane drama that our fervent fans have been anticipating,” said Kathryn Busby, president of original programming, at Starz.

“To be afforded the opportunity to return a decade later to a series you loved is such a rare, wonderful opportunity,” added DeKnight.