‘Erotic and exciting experience’: One of the most beloved series finally returns after a ten-year absence

In the early 2000s, the peplum experienced renewed interest on American television, first thanks to the TV series Rome and then Spartacus. This fictional adaptation of the life of the most famous gladiator of antiquity was released in 2010 on the cable channel Starz, from the screenwriter Stephen S. Under the supervision of DeKnight (creator of the Netflix series Daredevil).

Consisting of three seasons and a prequel titled Gods of the Arena, Spartacus spans a total of 39 episodes. The series, with its stylized aesthetic reminiscent of Zack Snyder’s 300, was a success especially thanks to its unbridled violence (and digital blood spray) and numerous scenes of nudity.

Two performers played the role of Spartacus in the series. From season 2, Liam McIntyre replaced Andy Whitfield in the main role of the program (the latter died soon after of cancer of the lymphatic system).

Spartacus also made history by becoming one of the most expensive series ever produced at the time, with a budget of around $5 million per episode.

More than ten years after the last episode of the final season aired, the series is preparing to return with an official sequel. Announced in early 2023, the project today reveals its name: Spartacus: House of Ashur. As its title suggests, the series will focus on former gladiator Ashur (played by Nick Tarabay).

A press release provided by the Starz channel described it as “An erotic and exciting experienceThe series departs from historical facts by following an alternate storyline, in which Ashur imagines himself at the head of a gladiator school formerly led by Quintus Lentulus Batiatus.

According to this version, Assyria did not die during the battle on Mount Vesuvius, but was rewarded for his services against the slave revolt led by Spartacus along with the Roman legionaries.

The ten-episode series Spartacus: House of Ashur will soon begin filming on American channel Starz for future broadcasts (a French broadcaster has yet to be announced).