The world of gladiators has returned to STARZ after 12 years, and this week’s episode of Debunking AI is devoted to clearing the air of misconceptions in regards to the Spartacus sequel. The upcoming premiere of Spartacus: Home of Ashur is setting excessive expectations for blood, guts, and Roman politics — whereas on the identical time elevating questions in regards to the significance of earlier canon occasions.
The follow-up to one in all STARZ’s greatest historic dramas ever presents an alternate historical past during which Ashur (Nick E. Tarabay) wasn’t decapitated by Naevia on the finish of Spartacus: Vengeance. As a substitute, he was a vital a part of the ultimate battle in opposition to Spartacus himself and obtained management of Batiatus’ ludus after the slave insurrection was defeated.
Authentic collection creator Steven S. DeKnight, who serves as showrunner of Home of Ashur, joins Tarabay for an episode of ScreenRant’s Debunking AI. The pair mentioned the significance of Lucy Lawless’ return as Lucretia, the historic accuracy of feminine gladiators, and whether or not Ashur might take Jamie Fraser from Outlander in a duel.
Spartacus: Home Of Ashur’s Achillia Has A Precedent In Roman Historical past
Many query Spartacus: Home of Ashur‘s compliance with not solely the canon of the unique collection, but additionally with historic occasions in Historical Rome. Whereas many questions are left to be answered by the present itself, it is protected to imagine the fictional story outdoors of Ashur’s life is primarily intact. Extra fascinating is that actual Roman politics nonetheless appear to be on the middle of the collection, and particulars of that life-style make for brand spanking new and thrilling plot developments.
Achillia (performed by Tenika Davis), who’s a gladiatrix delivered to the ludus by Ashur, marks the primary feminine gladiator within the present’s historical past. Although she isn’t primarily based on a real-life determine, she is an echo of historic file. AI declared that gladiatrices existed in Historical Rome, although they have been uncommon and infrequently handled as a novelty, however DeKnight had a little bit extra meat so as to add to these bones.
We wished to make use of them within the unique [Spartacus] present, however traditionally, they did not come about till about 80 years later. Really, they turned so in style, they ended up being banned as a result of they have been a menace in opposition to the patriarchy.
On the planet of the present, Ashur makes Achillia a gladiator as a method to attract consideration to his ludus, however their dynamic quickly develops into one thing akin to camaraderie — although he can be remiss to name it precise friendship.
You assume that there is a [friendship], after which one thing occurs, and it is like, “Effectively, no.” Ashur could be very clear on positioning. It is not a pleasant present. However there’s something in frequent between these two. It is not your typical, “I really like you, man,” [dynamic]. It is extra like, “Good luck to you.” That is pretty much as good because it will get. “All one of the best. Don’t die.”
Lucy Lawless Is Not The Greatest Spartacus Return In Home Of Ashur
Spartacus: Home of Ashur‘s timeline will get kick-started by a go to from Lucretia (performed by Lucy Lawless), who sends the not too long ago deceased protagonist to a brand new timeline from the underworld. It is a important second provided that she and her husband Batiatus have been Ashur’s most vital connections within the unique collection. Moreover, Lucretia went from his benefactor to his sufferer in Vengeance, reminding audiences of simply how harmful a personality he might be.
However do not anticipate this to imply there will probably be episodic check-ins from mentioned underworld. Whereas AI advised Lucretia can be a significant participant within the collection, DeKnight was fast to right the file. “I do not wish to mislead the viewers,” he defined. “We have been so joyful to get Lucy again. She could be very a lot in demand and really busy, so we received her simply to kick off the collection within the first episode.”
One character of nice significance to Home of Ashur, nevertheless, will probably be Julius Caesar. He has been recast for the brand new collection, however Tarabay teased that “he and his spouse actually erupt issues” as soon as they make their solution to the ludus. “They alter issues as soon as they present up,” he continued, explaining how the unrest among the many Triumvirate (made up of Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey) impacts Ashur himself.
It impacts Ashur tremendously. I imply, he is continuously feeling the stress of this. He is below stress, and he is surrounded by schemes, and he is nearly helpless. I imply, there’s solely a lot room for him to maneuver, and he is received to make use of room that extraordinarily effectively. In any other case, it is hasta la vista, child!
Spartacus’ Ashur Vs. Outlander’s Jamie Fraser
Not every thing was strictly primarily based on Spartacus canon, in fact. One enjoyable spherical of questioning was about who would win in a Gladiator battle between Ashur and Jamie Fraser, the burly and romantic hero of STARZ’s different smash hit, Outlander.
“Oh, I am going to beat the s–t out of him,” Tarabay joked. “Convey that Scotsman out right here.” DeKnight gave it a little bit extra severe thought. “Ashur could be very, very harmful. You may see that from the very opening of the present,” he shared. “You do not need to battle him.”
One of many first scenes of the present does, in actual fact, underscore how far more deadly Ashur might be in a battle than earlier seasons might have depicted, however followers must wait till December 5 to totally perceive. “You do not wish to mess with this man,” Tarabay added. “He is anyone who’s robust and has the wits for battle.”
Tarabay did have variety phrases for actor Sam Heughan, whom he met at Comedian-Con. “What a beautiful fella he’s. It is all good. However I am going to nonetheless take him, although. F–k that s–t. Convey it on, Jamie.”
The primary 2 episodes of Spartacus: Home of Ashur premiere December 5 on STARZ, with new episodes accessible each Friday.
Take a look at our different Debunking AI episodes right here:
- Launch Date
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December 5, 2025
- Administrators
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Rick Jacobson