Although it was announced by the Starz Network in 2023, Spartacus: House of Ashur is beginning to take shape. Conceived as a sequel to the popular TV series Spartacus, fans of the original should rest easy knowing that Steven DeKnight has returned to write and run the show. Lasting four seasons, from 2010 to 2013, Spartacus charted the epic rise and tragic fall of the famous Roman gladiator, who led a brave rebellion against the Republic.
Slated for a 2025 release frame, more details are beginning to seep out regarding Spartacus: House of Ashur. In addition to the writers and directors, new casting information has recently been released. With a gripping premise to boot, House of Ashur likely marks the rousing return that Spartacus fans have been clamoring about for over a decade. Here’s the most pertinent information about the show thus far.
‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’s Premise
Written, run by, and executive produced by Steven DeKnight (Spartacus) for STARZ and Lionsgate TV, Spartacus: House of Ashur is conceived as a sequel to the original series. In particular, the sequel will pick up following the events of Spartacus Season 3, Vengeance. However, the new series will revise history to tell a fictional tale about Ashur, the lovable and loathsome antagonist of the main series.
Instead of dying in the Battle of Mount Vesuvius, as historians claim (his body was never found), House of Ashur imagines what would transpire if Ashur survived and received the private gladiator training arena (known as a “Ludus”) previously owned by famed Roman trainer Lentulus Batiatus.
According to Deadline, Starz describes Spartacus: House of Ashur as “A history-bending, erotic, thrilling, roller-coaster experience” that ponders
“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 in return for aiding the Romans in killing Spartacus and ending the slave rebellion?”
Nobody is more thrilled to return than DeKnight, who adds, “To be afforded the opportunity to return a decade later to a series you loved is such a rare, wonderful opportunity. I could not be more excited to craft this next chapter in the Spartacus saga with STARZ, Lionsgate, and the incomparable Nick Tarabay.”
DeKnight also recently told ScreenRant that he has several seasons planned for House of Ashur, and depending on their success, it could lead to multiple TV spinoffs.
Who Stars in ‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’?
As DeKnight mentioned, Nick Tarabay has agreed to reprise his role as Ashur in the upcoming sequel. Tarabay fostered a love-hate relationship with viewers as the despicable yet magnetic villain, with Ashur becoming the focal point of an alternate history tale. Tarabay portrayed Ashur for 21 episodes of Spartacus between 2010 and 2012.
Along with Tarabay, Spartacus: House of Ashur will star:
- Joe Abadal as Helios
- Simon Arblaster as Proculus
- Daniel Bos as Balbus
- Evander Brown as Ephesius
- Graham McTavish as Korris
- Tenika Davis as Achillia
- Jamaica Vaughan as Hilara
- Lucy Lawless as Lucretia
- Mikey Thompson as Musicus
- Ivana Baquero as Messia
- Dan Hamill as Celadus
- Jordan Selwyn as Gabinius’ Messenger
- Stephen Madsen as Creticus
- Joe Davidson as Logas
- Cameron Rhodes as Uvidus
- George Burgess as Rhodius
- Eden Hart as Elata
- Jordi Webber as Tarchon
- Claudia Black as Cossutia
- India Shaw-Mith as Viridia.
Conspicuously, no actor has been cast to play Spartacus thus far. Andy Whitfield, who portrayed Spartacus in the mothership series, passed away from cancer in 2011. Spartacus was also killed at the end of Season 4, War of the Damned. House of Ashur is said to be a sequel to Season 3, Vengeance, meaning Spartacus is likely to appear in some fashion.
Who Writes & Directs’Spartacus: House of Ashur’?
Along with original scribe Steven DeKnight penning the pilot, Spartacus fans should rejoice, knowing that director Rick Jacobson has also returned. Jacobson helmed five episodes of STARZ’s original Spartacus series between 2010 and 2013, making him an ideal fit to transition seamlessly to the new sequel. Jacobson directs Episodes 1, 2, and 10 of Spartacus: House of Ashur. DeKnight and Jacobson are joined by other writers and directors who have worked on such shows as Charmed, The Wheel of Time, and Sweet Tooth.
‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’ Episode Count & Release Date
Although Spartacus: House of Ashur was initially slated for a fall 2025 release, STARZ has since pushed the exhibition back to an unspecified winter timeframe. What is certain is that the show will air on the main STARZ Network. It’s also been confirmed that Season 1 will consist of 10 episodes.
It’s also worth noting that, in the past, Spartacus released one episode weekly. While a release date and schedule for House of Ashur is unknown at this time, it’s safe to assume that STARZ will continue to roll out one new episode per week as a way to build anticipation and prevent inattentive binge-watching.
