Starz Developing a ‘Spartacus’ Sequel Series With Steven S DeKnight
STARZ is looking to head back to Rome in a sequel series set in their hugely popular ‘Spartacus’ universe, with creator/showrunner Steven S DeKnight returning to helm the project.
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 show will explore uncharted territory and new journeys of the original series’ iconic characters.
“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 Kathryn Busby, President, Original Programming, STARZ. “‘Spartacus’ has deeply invested fans who are eager for its return, and we look forward to working with Steven on this exciting next chapter.”
‘Spartacus: Blood and Sand’ debuted in 2010 with Andy Whitfield in the title role. Unfortunately, Andy was diagnosed with early-stage non-Hodgkin lymphoma in March 2010, which lead to the creation of the prequel series, ‘Spartacus: Gods of the Arena’, in 2011 to allow him time for treatment. Tragically, Andy passed away from his illness, which led to Liam McIntyre taking over the role for ‘Spartacus: Vengeance’ in 2012 and ‘Spartacus: War of the Damned’ in 2013.
The series featured a number of, now, very familiar faces such as the Arrowverse’s Katrina Law and Manu Bennett, Lesley-Ann Brandt (‘Lucifer’), Jai Courtney (‘Suicide Squad’), and Peter Mensah (‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’, ‘Midnight, Texas’), alongside John Hannah (‘Four Weddings…’, ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’), Lucy Lawless (‘Xena: Warrior Princess’), Craig Parker (‘Charmed’, ‘Good Trouble’), Jaime Murray (‘Hustle’, ‘Gotham’, ‘Defiance’), and many more.
Since ‘Spartacus’, Steven S. DeKnight went on to have another massive hit, helming ‘Daredevil’ for Netflix, and serving as writer/director on the movie ‘Pacific Rim: Uprising’. His other work includes ‘Smallville’, ‘Buffy’ & ‘Angel’, and Netflix’s ‘Jupiter’s Legacy’.
“It’s such an incredible honour 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,” said Steven S. DeKnight. “Together we are crafting something truly unique and unusual for the next chapter in this epic story.”
The project will be produced by Lionsgate Television for STARZ. Executive Vice President, Original Programming, Karen Bailey and Directors, Original Programming, Giovanna Desselle and Alex Alberts will oversee the series on behalf of STARZ. Head of Scripted Development and Executive Vice President, Scott Herbst and Senior Vice President, Scripted Development, Jocelyn Sabo will both oversee for Lionsgate Television.
The untitled ‘Spartacus’ sequel series is technically classed as “in development” so may not go to series (although it does look likely.) If it does get picked up, it would air on STARZ in the USA, and would be expected to premiere on LIONSGATE+ in the UK. We’ll let you know when we hear more.
