Starz has officially announced the primary cast for its upcoming series, Spartacus: House of Ashur. This addition to the Spartacus universe stars Nick Tarabay, reprising his role as Ashur, now the master of his own gladiatorial school, or Ludus. The new series explores an alternate storyline where Ashur survives Mount Vesuvius and is rewarded with the Ludus previously owned by Batiatus, following his assistance in quelling Spartacus’ slave rebellion.
Joining Tarabay are several new cast members, including Tenika Davis (Jupiter’s Legacy) as Achillia, a fierce female gladiator, and Graham McTavish (The Witcher) as Korris, a former gladiator turned trainer. Other notable additions include Jamaica Vaughan (Home and Away) as Hilara, Ivana Baquero (Pan’s Labyrinth) as Messia, Jordi Webber (Choose Love) as Tarchon, Claudia Black (The Nevers) as Cossutia, India Shaw-Smith (The Pines Still Whisper) as Viridia, and Leigh Gill (Joker) as Satyrus.
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Set to be a 10-episode series, Spartacus: House of Ashur is described by the network as a “history-bending, erotic, thrilling, roller-coaster experience” that retains the essence of the original series. The show will delve into the dynamics of power, loyalty, and betrayal within the gladiatorial world.
Steven S. DeKnight, the original series creator and showrunner, returns to helm this latest installment. Production is currently underway in New Zealand, with Lionsgate Television producing for Starz.
While fans might be hoping for appearances from other original cast members like Manu Bennett (Crixus) and Katrina Law (Mira), it seems unlikely due to their current commitments to other projects. Bennett is hosting CBS’s The Summit, and Law stars as Special Agent Jessica Knight on NCIS.
Spartacus: House of Ashur builds on the legacy of the original Spartacus series, which aired from 2010 to 2013, including the prequel miniseries Spartacus: Gods of the Arena. With a blend of new and familiar faces, this spinoff promises to captivate audiences with its unique take on an alternate historical narrative.