Starzis officially returning to one of its most beloved and groundbreaking hit series -Spartacus. The network announced that a new series is in development that is set to massively expand on the world and characters of the original show and create a new journey that will explore much of what was left untouched in the original four-season run on the network. Original series creator, writer, and executive producerSteven S. DeKnightwill also be returning as executive producer and showrunner for the new series.
Set in the aftermath of Spartacus’s defeat at the hands of Marcus Crassus and the Roman army, the drama will explore what happens in the dark underbelly of Rome. It promises a new tale full of treachery, deceit, and blood that unfolds that will revisit these characters and this world in a new light. Plot details are few, but it’s almost certain to follow a new lead after Spartacus’s death at the end of the original run.
It’ll have massive shoes, or in this case, sandals, to fill asSpartacusproved to be one of the network’s most acclaimed original series with a number of awards under its belt. Kicking off back in 2010, the series followed the journey of the typical Thracian gladiator who rose through the ranks to become a champion and later a leader of a rebel army who vowed to make Rome tremble with his uprising. Each season served as a somewhat separate miniseries, starting withSpartacus: Blood and Sandfollowed by the prequel chapterSpartacus: Gods of the Arena, and laterSpartacus: Vengeancein 2012 andSpartacus: War of the Damnedin 2013.
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The original series featuredAndy Whitfieldand laterLiam McIntyrein the lead role of Spartacus. It also featured the talents ofLucy Lawless,Manu Bennett,Viva Bianca,Katrina Law,Peter Mensah, andDustin Clareamong others. Currently, no cast members have been announced for the new series.
“It has been over a decade since ‘Spartacus’ delighted international audiences and we are thrilled to reimagine and expand this gripping, action-packed drama for our viewers today,” said Starz President of Original ProgrammingKathryn Busbyin an official statement. “Spartacushas deeply invested fans who are eager for its return, and we look forward to working with Steven on this exciting next chapter.”
DeKnight has had a successful career as a producer and writer since leaving the world ofSpartacus, directing and serving as a co-writer onPacific Rim: Uprisingand serving as a producer, writer, and director on Marvel’sDaredevilandJupiter’s Legacy. He’s excited to return to the sword-and-sandal genre, however. “It’s such an incredible honor to be invited to return to the world of ‘Spartacus’ and to be met with unbridled creative support from my colleagues at Starz and Lionsgate,” he said in a statement. “Together we are crafting something truly unique and unusual for the next chapter in this epic story.”
Lionsgate Television is producing the series for Starz with Executive Vice President of Original ProgrammingKaren Baileyand Directors of Original ProgrammingGiovanna DesselleandAlex Albertsoverseeing for the network. Lionsgate has Head of Scripted Development and Executive Vice PresidentScott Herbstand Senior Vice President of Scripted DevelopmentJocelyn Saboattached.
Stay tuned here at Collider for more on the newSpartacusseries. Check out a trailer from the original hit below.
