Spartacus: House of Ashur Revives Bloody Epic with New Twist on Fan-Favorite Villain

Starz is resurrecting its legendary gladiator franchise. The new series “Spartacus: House of Ashur” premieres on December 5. It brings back actor Nick E. Tarabay as the cunning Ashur. The show is a revisionist history from original creator Steven S. DeKnight.

The story imagines a world where the villainous Ashur survived his original demise. DeKnight personally reached out to Tarabay to reprise the role. The actor was in France when he received the unexpected call.

Series Promises Unfiltered Return to Franchise’s Violent Roots

The new show aims to match the original’s intense style. It features brutal, slow-motion combat and elaborate intimate scenes. DeKnight confirms he received no pushback from Starz or Lionsgate on content.

He described the historical setting as brutal and hypersexual. The producer is proud to introduce a key female gladiator character. He welcomes any potential controversy from parent groups.

Production standards have evolved since the first series. The set employed intimacy coordinators for performer comfort. Tarabay noted that nudity becomes routine for actors after a while.

Elaborate Training and Signature Dialogue Define New Chapter

The cast underwent rigorous preparation for their roles. Tarabay completed a month of “gladiator camp” before filming. Training included weapons, jiujitsu, grappling, and CrossFit for four hours daily.

The show’s distinctive dialogue remains a strict priority. DeKnight calls the style “Shakespeare meets Conan the Barbarian.” He insists lines be delivered exactly as written for authenticity.

The creator has long-term plans for the revived story. A second season is already fully written. DeKnight envisions a potential five to seven-season arc for Ashur’s journey.

“Spartacus: House of Ashur” marks a bold return to premium cable’s edgier past. The series bets on loyal fans craving its unique mix of history and spectacle. Its success could pave the way for more revisited tales from the arena.

Info at your fingertips

What is “Spartacus: House of Ashur” about?

It is a new Starz series that reimagines the fate of Ashur, a villain from the original “Spartacus” shows. The story explores what would have happened if the character had survived his apparent death. It is created by Steven S. DeKnight.

Who is returning for the new series?

Nick E. Tarabay returns to star as the scheming Ashur. Original franchise creator Steven S. DeKnight is back as the showrunner. Several other familiar faces from the Spartacus universe are also set to appear.

When does the show premiere?

The series premieres on Starz on December 5. All episodes will be available on the Starz streaming platform. The production was announced after years of fan speculation.

Will the new series be as graphic as the original?

Yes, producers confirm it will match the original’s levels of violence and adult content. Steven S. DeKnight stated he received no notes to “pull it back” from the network. The show aims to authentically depict the brutal era.

How was the show developed?

DeKnight personally contacted Tarabay with the idea for the revival. The actor agreed to commit to a multi-year project. The writer’s room has already planned stories for multiple potential seasons.