STARZ Greenlights New ‘Spartacus’ Series – ‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Photos of Nick Tarabay and Steven S. DeKnight Courtesy of STARZ and Denny’s Ilic Photography.

​It wasn’t that long ago, that STARZ piqued our interest with quite the fascinating announcement. In that, the network was ready to return to the world of Spartacus, a series that helped put STARZ on the map and was beloved by fans around the globe. And what made us so curious about this announcement, was that we received very little details about that new show. Just that STARZ wanted a new story in this universe. Which of course, put the fans into a frenzy, wherein speculation ran rampant in our minds, courtesy of our imaginations, since they pondered upon what the next chapter in this saga could and would focus upon. 
 
But thankfully, we no longer have to speculate. For Steven S. DeKnight and STARZ have finally settled upon what comes next for the saga and they made it known today that Spartacus: House of Ashur has received a green light from the network. Which means, that Ashur is back, and he will be played by Nick Tarabay once again, and… he’s back via a fascinating ‘what if?’ story. But most important of all, we’re going back to this wonderous universe and well, since you’re eager to learn more about this new show… here are all the details on House of Ashur (courtesy of STARZ) to tide you over until more news arrives.
 
‘STARZ announced today it has greenlit ten episodes of “Spartacus: House of Ashur,” a drama series that will expand on its groundbreaking show “Spartacus,” one of STARZ’s most celebrated franchises, which aired for four seasons on the platform. Nick Tarabay (“Stargirl”) returns as the villainous “Ashur,” the iconic role he originated in the series' original run. “Spartacus” creator, writer and executive producer Steven S. DeKnight (“Daredevil”) serves as showrunner and executive producer.
 
“Spartacus: House of Ashur” will be a history-bending, erotic, thrilling, roller-coaster experience that builds on everything that made the original series a colossal hit. The series poses the question: what if Ashur, played by fan favorite Nick Tarabay, 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 putting an end to the slave rebellion?
 
“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, STARZ. “It is an honor to team up with Steven again as he expands upon the storytelling within this thrilling, action-packed universe.”

“To be afforded the opportunity to return a decade later to a series you loved is such a rare, wonderful opportunity,” said Steven S. DeKnight. “I could not be more excited to craft this next chapter in the Spartacus saga with STARZ, Lionsgate, and the incomparable Nick Tarabay."  
 
“Spartacus: Blood and Sand” debuted on STARZ in 2010 and was followed by a prequel series chapter “Spartacus: Gods of the Arena” in 2011 and two additional series “Spartacus: Vengeance” in 2012 and “Spartacus: War of the Damned” in 2013.
 
The project will be produced by Lionsgate Television for STARZ. Karen Bailey will oversee the series on behalf of STARZ. Jocelyn Sabo will oversee for Lionsgate Television. DeKnight serves as showrunner and executive producer. 
 
About STARZ
STARZ (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company, is a leading media streaming platform committed to delivering premium content that amplifies narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences. STARZ is home to the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app that offers the ability to stream or download STARZ premium content, as well as the flagship domestic STARZ® service, including STARZ ENCORE, 17 premium pay TV channels, and the associated on-demand and online services. STARZ is available across digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies. In February 2021, STARZ launched #TakeTheLead, a multi-faceted and innovative inclusion initiative expanding its existing efforts to improve representation on screen, behind the camera and throughout the company. 
 
About Lionsgate
Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) encompasses world-class motion picture and television studio operations aligned with the STARZ premium global subscription platform to bring a unique and varied portfolio of entertainment to consumers around the world. The Company's film, television, subscription and location-based entertainment businesses are backed by an 18,000-title library and a valuable collection of iconic film and television franchises. A digital age company driven by its entrepreneurial culture and commitment to innovation, the Lionsgate brand is synonymous with bold, original, relatable entertainment for audiences worldwide.’

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