STARZ released the first footage from “Spartacus: House of Ashur” on July 26, 2025, marking the franchise’s return with Nick E. Tarabay reprising his role as the cunning former slave. The 10-episode limited series, scheduled for winter 2025 release, follows an alternative timeline where Ashur survives Mount Vesuvius and inherits Batiatus’ gladiator school while aiding Roman forces against Spartacus’ rebellion. Further details reveal additional cast members and production insights.
The upcoming Spartacus spin-off series, titled “House of Ashur,” represents STARZ‘s ambitious return to the acclaimed gladiatorial franchise, with production scheduled for a Winter 2025 release across digital platforms in the United States.
The 10-episode limited series serves as a direct sequel to the original franchise, exploring an alternative timeline where the character Ashur, portrayed by returning actor Nick E. Tarabay, survives the Mount Vesuvius events that concluded the previous storyline.
The series premise centers on Ashur’s inheritance of the gladiator school formerly owned by Batiatus, positioning him in a complex role where he aids Roman forces in their efforts to destroy Spartacus and the rebellion movement. The character’s cunning and business acumen makes him particularly well-suited for navigating the political complexities of running a ludus while serving Roman interests.
Ashur inherits Batiatus’ ludus and collaborates with Rome to crush Spartacus’ rebellion in this complex power dynamic.
Filming locations include Auckland, New Zealand, maintaining the franchise’s established production infrastructure while incorporating new creative elements under the guidance of DeKnight Productions and franchise co-creator Steven DeKnight.
STARZ released the first official teaser footage on July 26, 2025, through their YouTube platform, showcasing intense arena combat sequences and glimpses of Ashur presiding over the renewed ludus. Ray Flook covered the teaser release in his article for Bleeding Cool on July 15, 2025.
The footage highlights the series’ commitment to blending historical elements with stylized action sequences, featuring prominent inclusion of a new female gladiator character who represents the production’s emphasis on expanding representation within the franchise.
The cast combines returning performers, including rumored appearances by Lucy Lawless and Graham McTavish, with new actors such as Simon Arblaster, Joel Abadal, and Evander Brown.
This ensemble approach mirrors the casting strategy employed in previous seasons, which contributed to the franchise’s recognition as a premier STARZ original series throughout the 2010s.
Production maintains the franchise’s signature combination of political intrigue, arena battles, and visual effects that distinguished earlier installments.
Each episode will feature serialized narrative elements alongside episodic combat sequences, though official episode titles and detailed synopses remain unreleased.
The series is marketed as a “history-bending, erotic, thrilling, roller-coaster experience,” positioning House of Ashur as a bold reinterpretation designed to rejuvenate audience interest while preserving the franchise’s established legacy of action, drama, and historical storytelling elements.