Get ready, legions! The iconic Spartacus franchise is back, and it's bringing everyone's favorite backstabbing survivor, Ashur, back from the dead for a thrilling new saga on STARZ. You won't believe what they've cooked up!
TL;DR: Quick Bites for the Gladiator Fanatic
- Ashur's Shocking Return: Nick E. Tarabay reprises his role in an alternate history where he not only survives but thrives, becoming the "Dominus" of his own gladiator house.
- Premiere & Schedule: Catch the two-episode premiere on Friday, December 5th, exclusively on STARZ, with new episodes dropping weekly.
- Classic Spartacus Vibe: Expect all the intense gladiator action, cutthroat Roman politics, and raw, erotic drama the original series was famous for, promised to be even bloodier and sexier.
The Sands of the Arena Beckon Once More for a Familiar Face
Hold onto your swords, history buffs and gladiator fanatics! More than a decade after the original series wrapped up its epic run, STARZ is pulling off one of the most unexpected resurrections in television history. We're talking about Spartacus: House of Ashur, a brand-new spin-off that dares to ask: what if Ashur, the scheming, self-serving survivor we all loved to hate, never met his untimely end on Mount Vesuvius?
That's right, folks! Nick E. Tarabay is back in his iconic role, and this time, he's not just a sidekick or a slave – he's the master. The trailers, which recently dropped in both green band (for general audiences) and red band (for those who crave the full, uncensored Spartacus experience), show us a glimpse into this reimagined Ancient Rome. And let me tell you, it looks absolutely wild, packed with all the violence, passion, and political intrigue we've come to expect, maybe even dialed up a notch or two!
Rewriting History with the Treacherous Ashur at the Helm
The core premise of Spartacus: House of Ashur is a fascinating twist for long-time fans. The series operates on an alternate timeline where Ashur, instead of dying in Spartacus: Vengeance, is rewarded by the Romans for his perceived "treachery" – essentially, helping them quash Spartacus's slave rebellion. This act of cunning (or perceived loyalty, depending on who you ask) earns him an incredible promotion: he becomes the "Dominus," the master of his very own ludus, a gladiator training school, the very kind he once bled in as a slave.
Now, Ashur finds himself in a position of power, but it's not all sunshine and roses. The House of Ashur, his new domain, is struggling to gain respect and success in the brutal gladiator circuit. He's still driven by vengeance and ambition, aiming to carve out a significant place for himself in a world that thrives on violence, desire, and twisted loyalty. But as he quickly learns, ruling a bunch of merciless gladiators is child's play compared to navigating the cutthroat game of Roman politics, where betrayal isn't a sin, it's currency.
New Faces and Familiar Powers Shaping Ashur's Destiny
The series isn't just about Ashur; it's expanding the Roman stage with a fresh set of dynamic characters, some entirely new, and others reimagined versions of historical figures. Let's meet some of the key players who will be vying for power alongside (or against) Ashur:
- Nick E. Tarabay as Ashur: Our returning anti-hero, now a "Dominus" with his own gladiator house, fueled by ambition and cunning.
- Graham McTavish as Korris: Ashur's battle-hardened gladiator trainer, whose experience will be crucial to the ludus's success.
- Tenika Davis as Achillia: A relentless and fierce gladiatrix. She's a groundbreaking character, being the first female gladiator in the series, eager to prove herself worthy in a man's brutal world. Ashur leverages her unique skills to create new spectacles that shock the Roman elite.
- Jordi Webber as Tarchon: An ambitious new player in Ashur's orbit.
- Jackson Gallagher as Julius Caesar: The iconic Roman figure makes a significant appearance, bringing heightened elegance and political weight.
- Jaime Slater as Cornelia: Caesar's wife, adding to the layers of Roman romance and intrigue.
- Jamaica Vaughan as Hilara
- Ivana Baquero as Messia
- Claudia Black as Cossutia
- India Shaw-Smith as Viridia
- Leigh Gill as Satyrus
The trailers promise plenty of intense combat, elaborate schemes, and the kind of sensual, unapologetic storytelling that made the original Spartacus a fan favorite. You'll see Ashur fighting to earn respect, manipulating those around him, and orchestrating spectacles of blood and ambition that aim to put his House on the map.
The Visionary Team Behind the Gladiatorial Spectacle
Fans will be thrilled to know that the original creator, writer, and executive producer of the Spartacus franchise, Steven S. DeKnight (also known for Netflix's Daredevil), is back at the helm for House of Ashur. This ensures that the new series will maintain the beloved tone, style, and narrative depth that resonated with audiences for years.
"Spartacus: House of Ashur is a thrilling, erotic, and history-bending roller-coaster experience that builds on everything that made the original series a colossal hit. What if Ashur had lived, and the Romans rewarded his treachery with the gladiator school where he once bled? Welcome to the House of Ashur. No longer a slave, Ashur has clawed his way to power, owning the same ludus that once owned him. But ruling a band of merciless gladiators is child’s play compared to surviving the savage world of Roman politics – a cutthroat game in which betrayal isn’t a sin, it’s currency. He flips tradition on its head by unleashing Achillia, a fierce and powerful gladiatrix eager to prove herself worthy in a man’s world. Together, they ignite a new kind of spectacle that shocks, disrupts, and offends the elite with every drop of blood."
— Official STARZ Description
DeKnight is joined by experienced executive producers Rick Jacobson (known for Ash vs. Evil Dead) and Aaron Helbing (from The Flash and Mortal Kombat: Legacy), ensuring a robust creative team to bring this ambitious alternate history to life. Lionsgate Television, the powerhouse behind the original, is also back on board as the producer, guaranteeing the high production values fans expect.
Experience the Legacy: Catch Up on the Original Series
For those new to the world of Spartacus or looking for a refresher before Ashur's grand return, now's the perfect time to dive in. The original franchise began with Spartacus: Blood and Sand in 2010, followed by the prequel Spartacus: Gods of the Arena in 2011. Then came Spartacus: Vengeance in 2012, where Ashur met his canonical end, and the saga concluded with Spartacus: War of the Damned in 2013.
All four chapters of the original series are currently available to stream on the STARZ app and all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms. This makes it incredibly easy to catch up on the epic tale of the Thracian gladiator who led a massive slave rebellion against the Roman Republic, contrasting it with Ashur's new, power-hungry path.
Mark Your Calendars: When and Where to Watch
The wait is almost over! Spartacus: House of Ashur is set to kick off with a special two-episode premiere on Friday, December 5th. After the initial double-header, new episodes will release weekly, every Friday. You can catch all the action, betrayal, and spectacle exclusively on the STARZ app and all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms.
If you're in Los Angeles, some lucky fans even got an early peek! IGN hosted a special screening of the first two episodes on November 19 at the Landmark Theatre in Westwood, giving them a more than two-week head start. But don't fret if you missed that – December 5th is right around the corner for everyone else!
This new chapter promises to be a thrilling, erotic, and history-bending roller-coaster experience that builds on everything that made the original series a colossal hit. So, prepare for another descent into the brutal yet captivating world of Ancient Rome, where no one is safe, and betrayal is always just around the corner!
Frequently Asked Questions About Spartacus: House of Ashur
Sources
- STARZ Unleashes Spartacus: House of Ashur Green & Red Band Trailers - Bleeding Cool
- ‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’ Red-Band Trailer Is So Very Bloody - The Hollywood Reporter
- ‘Spartacus: The House of Ashur’ Trailer: Gladiator Gore, Roman Romance and a Sexy Caesar - Variety
- First ‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’ Trailer Reveals Nick Tarabay’s Return - Collider
- IGN Is Hosting a Special Screening of Spartacus: House of Ashur - IGN
- Spartacus: House Of Ashur Trailer Reveals Return Of Bloodiest Historical TV Series - Screen Rant
- ‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’ Unveils an Action-Packed Trailer - Showbiz Junkies
- Blood and Guts Get a Thumbs Up in Nsfw ‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’ Trailer - The Wrap
- Ashur runs struggling gladiator house in ‘Spartacus’ trailer - UPI
- Blood and Guts Get a Thumbs Up in Nsfw ‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’ Trailer - MovieWeb