Spartacus: House of Ashur Unleashes a Blood-Soaked Roman Return

Get ready, gladiators! Starz is bringing back the brutal world of Spartacus with a major twist, and the newly released trailers are absolutely wild.

TL;DR: Your Quick Guide to the New Spartacus Series

• The highly anticipated spin-off, Spartacus: House of Ashur, premieres Friday, December 5, 2025, on Starz.
• It tells an alternate history where the cunning villain Ashur survived the original series and now runs his own gladiator school.
• Expect all the signature gladiator gore, Roman political intrigue, and erotic drama, plus teased returns from fan-favorite characters like Lucy Lawless's Lucretia!

Ancient Rome Reimagined: The Shocking Resurrection of Ashur

Remember Ashur? That sneaky, conniving, and oh-so-lovable villain from the original Spartacus series? Well, get ready to see him like never before because Starz is bringing him back from the dead for a brand-new, history-bending spin-off: Spartacus: House of Ashur. This isn't just a simple sequel; it's an alternate timeline where Ashur not only survived the events on Mount Vesuvius but was actually rewarded by the Romans for helping to crush Spartacus's rebellion.

Imagine that: instead of meeting his end, Ashur (played once again by the fantastic Nick E. Tarabay) becomes the "Dominus," the master of his very own gladiator training ground, or ludus. He's literally owning the same institution that once owned him. Talk about a glow-up! This reimagined world is bursting with power, passion, and destiny, thrusting viewers back into the gritty brutality of Ancient Rome but with a fresh, vengeful perspective.

Unleashing the Spectacle: What the Trailers Reveal About Ashur's Rise

Starz has really dialed up the anticipation, dropping both a "Green Band" (all-ages, sort of) and a "Red Band" (definitely NSFW) trailer, and let us tell you, they don't hold back! Fans of the original's signature style will be right at home. The trailers are packed with the over-the-top, blood-soaked gladiator fights we've come to expect. You'll see limbs flying, swords clashing, and the roar of the crowd as gladiators battle to the death for the amusement of Roman elites.

But it's not just about the gore. The trailers also heavily feature the debaucherous side of Ancient Rome. Think steamy scandals, thinly veiled innuendos, and opulent parties juxtaposed with the harsh realities of the arena. Ashur, now fueled by vengeance and cunning ambition, is carving out a place for the House of Ashur, and his methods are anything but traditional. One blink-and-you-miss-it moment even shows Liam McIntyre's Spartacus making a brief appearance, with Ashur delivering a spear-impaling blow – confirming Ashur's crucial (and brutal) role in this altered history.

The New Guard and Familiar Faces Joining Ashur's Roman World

Ashur might be the Dominus, but he's surrounded by a cast of fierce and ambitious characters, both new and familiar, all vying for power in this cutthroat world. Here’s a look at some of the key players you'll meet:

• Nick E. Tarabay as Ashur: Reprising his role as the treacherous, yet endlessly entertaining, former slave turned ludus master.
• Graham McTavish as Korris: Known for his roles in The Witcher and House of the Dragon, McTavish plays Ashur's battle-hardened gladiator trainer.
• Tenika Davis as Achillia: A relentless gladiatrix who is eager to prove herself worthy in a man's world. She's a groundbreaking addition, being the first female gladiator in the series, and looks set to be Ashur's secret weapon.
• Jordi Webber as Tarchon: An ambitious new character ready to make his mark.
• Jackson Gallagher as Julius Caesar: The famed Roman general and politician makes his franchise debut, bringing heightened elegance and lust to the narrative.
• Jaime Slater as Cornelia: Caesar's wife, adding to the high-stakes Roman political drama.
• Jamaica Vaughan as Hilara
• Ivana Baquero as Messia
• Claudia Black as Cossutia
• India Shaw-Smith as Viridia
• Leigh Gill as Satyrus

This diverse cast promises a rich tapestry of gladiators, nobles, villains, and schemers, all entangled in a complex web where blood and lust are the ultimate currency.

"Tarabay and DeKnight teased what’s to come in an exclusive interview, including the return of Lucy Lawless as Lucretia and how John Hannah almost appeared in Season 1 on House of Ashur."

– Reports from an exclusive cast and crew interview

Behind the Brutality: The Visionary Creators Returning to the Arena

Fans will be thrilled to know that Spartacus creator, writer, and executive producer Steven S. DeKnight is back at the helm as showrunner for Spartacus: House of Ashur. DeKnight, known for his work on Netflix's Daredevil, brings his signature vision for thrilling, erotic, and history-bending storytelling to this new chapter. His return ensures that the spin-off will build on everything that made the original series a colossal hit, while venturing into uncharted narrative territory.

Joining DeKnight as executive producers are Rick Jacobson (Ash vs. Evil Dead) and Aaron Helbing (The Flash), promising a powerhouse team dedicated to delivering an unforgettable experience. The series is produced by Lionsgate Television for Starz, continuing the legacy of high-quality production values.

The "what if Ashur had lived" premise is pure gold for a show known for its dramatic twists and turns. It allows the series to explore new avenues of power dynamics, loyalty, and betrayal within the established, yet altered, Roman world. The very concept of Ashur unleashing Achillia, a gladiatrix who defies tradition, hints at how he'll disrupt and shock the Roman elite, proving that betrayal isn't a sin in this world – it's currency.

Catching Up on the Gladiator Saga: Preparing for Ashur's Reign

If you're eager to dive into Ashur's new reign, or simply want to refresh your memory on the epic saga that started it all, you're in luck! All four chapters of the original Spartacus franchise are available to stream right now on the STARZ app and all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms. That includes:

• Spartacus: Blood and Sand (2010)
• Spartacus: Gods of the Arena (Prequel, 2011)
• Spartacus: Vengeance (2012)
• Spartacus: War of the Damned (2013)

Watching (or re-watching) these will give you all the context you need for Ashur's cunning rise to power and truly appreciate the alternate history being carved out. Plus, it's a great way to see if you can spot any early clues or nods to the original series!

Frequently Asked Questions About Spartacus: House of Ashur When does Spartacus: House of Ashur premiere? The series premieres with a two-episode event on Friday, December 5, 2025. Where can I watch Spartacus: House of Ashur? New episodes will stream weekly on Fridays on the STARZ app and all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms. Do I need to watch the original Spartacus series first? While House of Ashur is an alternate history, watching the original series will give you a deeper understanding of Ashur's character and the world he inhabits. All original chapters are available on the STARZ app. Who is playing Ashur in the new series? Nick E. Tarabay reprises his iconic role as Ashur.

So, are you ready to witness the rise of the House of Ashur? Mark your calendars for December 5, 2025, and prepare for a return to Ancient Rome unlike anything you've seen before!