Epic historical drama perfect for Gladiator fans lands release date after 12-year wait

The next chapter in a popular historical drama franchise has finally landed a release date, more than 10 years after wrapping up the last instalment.

Following the release of Spartacus: War of the Damned in 2013, the US network Starz has announced the next outing, Spartacus: House of Ashur, is coming soon.

Also released on MGM+ in the UK as well as Spain, Italy, Netherlands and Belgium, this next chapter is described as “boldly outrageous” and full of “intensity, passion and fierce rivalries”.

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It’s arriving with a two-part premiere on Saturday, 6th December before continuing weekly.

House of Ashur also boasts an all-star cast, notably including Nick E Tarabay reprising his role as Ashur from previous series.

The series offers an alternative historical narrative and explores what could have happened if Ashur had lived and embraced by the Romans instead of being decapitated by Naevia (played by Cynthia Addai-Robinson) in Spartacus: Vengeance.

Starz’s first look at the series has given fans a full view of the cast, teasing plenty of blood-soaked action, steamy romance and intriguing drama to come.

Alongside Tarabay is Outlander favourite Graham McTavish, who is practically unrecognisable from his fan-favourite role as Dougal MacKenzie as he’s now decked out in gladiator armour and sporting long hair.

A synopsis for the upcoming sequel series reads: “Spartacus: House of Ashur is a thrilling, erotic, history-bending, roller-coaster experience that builds on everything that made the original series a colossal hit.

“What if Ashur had lived, and the Romans rewarded his treachery with the gladiator school where he once bled? 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.

“He flips tradition on its head by unleashing Achillia, a fierce and powerful gladiatrix eager to prove herself worthy in a man’s world.

“Together, they ignite a new kind of spectacle that shocks, disrupts and offends the elite with every drop of blood.”

Starring alongside Tarabay are newcomers to the franchise McTavish as Korris, Tenika Davis as Achillia and Jordi Webber as Tarchon.

The supporting cast includes Jamaica Vaughan as Hilara, Ivana Baquero as Messia, Claudia Black as Cossutia, India Shaw-Smith as Viridia, Jackson Gallagher as Caesar, Jaime Slater as Cornelia, and Leigh Gill as Satyrus.

Spartacus creator Steven S DeKnight is returning as showrunner and executive producer.

Rick Jacobson (Ash vs. Evil Dead, The Royal Treatment) and Aaron Helbing (The Flash, Mortal Kombat: Legacy) will also serve as executive producers.

Spartacus: House of Ashur premieres Saturday, 6th December on MGM+.