Fans of the classic Spartacus series have a reason to celebrate, as the world of brutal gladiator combat is returning to television. Starz has released the first trailers for Spartacus: House of Ashur, a new series that brings back the signature blood, passion, and power of the original show. The trailers tease a reimagined history where a fan-favorite villain gets a second chance at power.
The series will premiere with its first two episodes on December 5, 2025, on the Starz app and its linear channel. New episodes will then be released weekly every Friday.
The Story of a New Kind of House
Spartacus: House of Ashur asks a compelling “what if” question. What if Ashur, the cunning and treacherous character from the original series, did not die at the end of Spartacus: Vengeance? The new series explores this alternate history, imagining that the Roman Empire rewarded Ashur for his betrayal of the slave rebellion by giving him the very gladiator school, or ludus, where he was once a slave.
The official logline from the network sets the stage: “Welcome to the House of Ashur. No longer a slave, Ashur has clawed his way to power, owning the same ludus that once owned him. But ruling a band of merciless gladiators is child’s play compared to surviving the savage world of Roman politics — a cutthroat game in which betrayal isn’t a sin, it’s currency”.
In this new role as Dominus, or master, Ashur must navigate deadly political schemes while trying to achieve success in the arena. To shake things up, he introduces a new kind of spectacle: a female gladiator. He unleashes Achillia, a fierce and powerful warrior determined to prove her worth in a sport dominated by men. Together, they create a new form of entertainment that both shocks and offends the Roman elite.
A Look at the Blood-Soaked Trailers
Starz released both a standard Green Band and an uncensored Red Band trailer, giving fans a clear idea of what to expect. The trailers mark a return to the hyper-stylized, visceral action that defined the original series. They open on a familiar scene: a gladiator arena where combatants fight for their lives as crowds roar.
The footage promises no shortage of the violence fans remember. The Red Band trailer, in particular, highlights the show’s intense action with blood-soaked fights, decapitations, and deadly blows. One key moment shows Ashur impaling Spartacus with a spear, confirming the alternate timeline where Ashur was the one to defeat the legendary rebel leader. Silence falls over the arena as the power of life and death rests on a single thumb gesture from a Roman editor.
Amid the violence, the trailer also shows Ashur struggling to gain respect and achieve victory with his gladiators. He is seen trying to inspire his fighters, telling them they will forge their own glorious tales. The arrival of Tenika Davis’s Achillia appears to be his key to turning his house’s fortunes around, as the trailer shows her effortlessly defeating multiple male opponents.
The People Bringing the World to Life
The series sees the return of key creative forces from the original show. Steven S. DeKnight, the creator of the original Spartacus, returns as the showrunner and executive producer. He is joined by executive producer and director Rick Jacobson, who helmed several episodes of the first series.
The cast is led by Nick E. Tarabay, who reprises his role as the charismatic and cunning Ashur. He is joined by a mix of new and familiar faces:
- Graham McTavish plays Korris, a former gladiator who won his freedom and now serves as Ashur’s Doctore, the trainer of the gladiators in his ludus.
- Tenika Davis plays Achillia, the fierce gladiatrix determined to prove herself in a man’s world.
- Jamaica Vaughan plays Hilara, a young house slave who is deeply in love with Ashur.
- Ivana Baquero plays Messia, a house slave who is in love with Hilara.
- Claudia Black plays Cossutia, a politician who is determined to keep Ashur in his place and constantly plots his downfall.
- Jackson Gallagher appears as Julius Caesar, who finds “unexpected delights” on a visit to Capua.
Other cast members include Jordi Webber as the gladiator Tarchon, India Shaw-Smith as Viridia, and Leigh Gill as Satyrus. While Liam McIntyre makes a brief appearance as Spartacus in the trailer, the story firmly centers on Ashur’s new chapter.
The Legacy of the Original Series
The original Spartacus series debuted on Starz in 2010 with Spartacus: Blood and Sand. It was followed by a prequel, Gods of the Arena, in 2011, and two more seasons, Vengeance (2012) and War of the Damned (2013). The show developed a dedicated fanbase known for its unique visual style, intense action sequences, and complex storytelling.
Kathryn Busby, President of Original Programming for Starz, said, “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. It is an honor to team up with Steven again as he expands upon the storytelling within this thrilling, action-packed universe”.
Steven S. DeKnight also expressed his excitement about returning to the world, stating, “To be afforded the opportunity to return a decade later to a series you loved is such a rare, wonderful opportunity. I could not be more excited to craft this next chapter in the Spartacus saga with STARZ, Lionsgate, and the incomparable Nick Tarabay”.
For viewers wanting to revisit the original story, all previous seasons of Spartacus are available to stream on Starz.
Also Read: Spartacus: House of Ashur Brings a Dead Villain Back
