Fans of the bloody and brutal world of Spartacus have a new chapter to look forward to this winter. Spartacus: House of Ashur is an upcoming sequel series that asks a compelling question: what if one of the original show’s most cunning villains had survived? The series brings back actor Nick E. Tarabay as Ashur, who is now the master of the very gladiator school where he was once a slave. The show is scheduled to premiere on December 5, 2025, on Starz.
The Premise: An Alternate History for a Fan-Favorite Villain
Spartacus: House of Ashur presents a “what if” scenario that changes the events of the original series. In the finale of Spartacus: Vengeance, the treacherous Syrian schemer Ashur was killed. This new series imagines an alternate timeline where he lived and was rewarded for his betrayal of Spartacus and the slave rebellion.
The Romans grant him ownership of the ludus (gladiator school) in Capua that he once served as a slave. The official logline for the show sets the stage: “No longer a slave, Ashur has clawed his way to power, owning the same ludus that once owned him”. However, his new position is far from secure. The series will show that ruling a house of merciless gladiators is easier than navigating the deadly world of Roman politics, where betrayal is a common currency.
A key part of Ashur’s new strategy involves challenging tradition. He introduces a powerful gladiatrix named Achillia, played by Tenika Davis, into the games. Together, they create a new, shocking form of spectacle that offends the Roman elite while captivating audiences.
The Creative Team and Returning Faces
The series marks a welcome return for the original creator. Steven S. DeKnight, who was the showrunner for the first season of Spartacus: Blood and Sand, is back in the same role for House of Ashur. He also serves as an executive producer alongside Rick Jacobson and Aaron Helbing. The show is produced by Lionsgate Television for Starz.
While Ashur is the central figure, he will not be the only familiar face. The beloved Lucy Lawless will guest-star in the premiere episode, reprising her iconic role as Lucretia. Her appearance is brief but crucial, as it helps explain how Ashur was able to survive the events of the original series. Showrunner Steven S. DeKnight explained the importance of her return, stating:
“We wanted someone who was intimately connected to Ashur in the original series, which was definitely Lucy Lawless as Lucretia… That’s how we built the show, based on that one scene that Ashur has with Lucretia, where he tells her, ‘I’m going to get the Ludus and the villa and everything your husband had, and this will be the rise of the house of Ashur,’ which was the germ of that idea”.
There were also discussions about bringing back John Hannah, who played the original lanista, Batiatus. While scheduling conflicts prevented his appearance in the first season, DeKnight and Tarabay have expressed interest in involving him in potential future episodes.
Meet the Cast of the New Ludus
The series features a mix of returning actors and new faces who will populate the world of the House of Ashur.
- Nick E. Tarabay leads the cast, returning as Ashur.
- Tenika Davis plays Achillia, the fierce gladiatrix who fights in a man’s world.
- Graham McTavish portrays Korris, who serves as Ashur’s Doctore (trainer).
- Jordi Webber appears as the gladiator Tarchon.
- Jamaica Vaughan plays Hilara.
- Ivana Baquero is featured as Messia.
- Claudia Black takes on the role of Cossutia, a character involved in Roman politics.
- India Shaw-Smith plays Viridia.
- Jackson Gallagher is featured as a young Caesar.
- Jaime Slater appears as Cornelia.
- Leigh Gill plays Satyrus.
Release Schedule and How to Watch
Starz has confirmed that Spartacus: House of Ashur will premiere with a two-episode debut on December 5, 2025. Following the premiere, new episodes will be released weekly every Friday. The series will be available to stream exclusively on the Starz app, as well as on Starz’s linear television channel and other on-demand platforms. For international audiences, the series is expected to be available through StarzPlay and affiliated services.
A Deeper Look at Ashur’s Return
For those unfamiliar with the original series, Ashur was never a champion in the arena. He was a clever and manipulative survivor who used his wits to navigate the dangerous politics of the gladiator school. Actor Nick E. Tarabay never saw his character as purely evil. He explained his perspective on Ashur’s motivations:
“I never perceived my character as bad or evil. I saw that everything he did was justified because he had to survive… I always saw Ashur as a loyal dude who wants to belong, but he wasn’t given that opportunity”.
This new series will put that survival instinct to the ultimate test. Now in a position of power, Ashur must face off against the most powerful figures in Rome. Showrunner Steven S. DeKnight teased that one way the show makes Ashur a character the audience can follow is by introducing “even worse people, and they are the Roman elites who really work them over”.
The series will also maintain the unique style and language that fans loved about the original. Viewers can expect the return of the show’s signature stylized violence, and yes, the creative profanities like “Jupiter’s cock” will also make a comeback, with some new variations.
Also Read: Trust 2025 Movie Cast and Characters: A Complete Guide to the Survival Thriller
