The historical drama-action series Spartacus aired for four seasons on the cable network Starz. During its run, the show recorded huge viewership numbers from both domestic and international audiences. Spartacus was also nominated for numerous awards, of which it won a couple. Now, about a decade later, Starz has revealed it is reviving the gladiator show.
The network published a press release on Thursday, where it stated that it is developing "a series that will expand on its groundbreaking show Spartacus."
While there isn’t much information on the plot of the planned revival, the official logline reads, "In the aftermath of the defeat of Spartacus and his rebel army, the drama will depict a new tale of treachery, deceit, and blood unfolding beneath the foreboding shadow of Rome."
The network’s release also promises that the new series "will explore uncharted territory and new journeys of the original series' iconic characters." This might suggest that some of the original show’s characters might return in some capacity. Given that Spartacus lost his life in the final season of the original series, it is a certainty the character won’t be making a return unless it is a prequel.
Inspired by real events, the original Spartacus show chronicled the life of the eponymous Thracian gladiator who gathers an army of former slaves and leads them into an uprising against the Roman empire. Despite winning many battles, the slave-filled army ultimately lost the war against the forces of Marcus Crassus.
The late Andy Whitfield portrayed Spartacus in the first season as well as the prequel miniseries before Liam McIntyre replaced him in the second and third seasons. Other members of the show’s cast include Manu Bennett, Lesley-Ann Brandt, Dan Feuerriegel, Lucy Lawless, Katrina Law, Dustin Clare, Hertha Jones, Ellen Hollman, Heath Jones, Gwendoline Taylor, and Anna Hutchison.
Following Starz’s announcement, Steven DeKnight, who created and executive-produced the original show, expressed his excitement at the show’s revival. The producer stated that he considers it a big honor to "be invited to return to the world of Spartacus." The Pacific Rim: Uprising director further opined that they are "crafting something truly unique and unusual for the next chapter in this epic story."
Kathryn Busby, Starz President of Original Programming, also had a few words to share on the revival. In an official statement, she expressed their excitement "to reimagine and expand this gripping, action-packed drama for our viewers today." She further stated that "Spartacus has deeply invested fans who are eager for its return, and we look forward to working with Steven on this exciting next chapter."
Given that the next Spartacus installment is only just starting to take shape, it will undoubtedly take a few years before it is ready for the screen. In the meantime, fans can watch all three seasons of the original Spartacus show on Starz, Amazon Instant Video, and Vudu.
