A revival/sequel series to the hit Starz action show Spartacus is in the works from original creator Steven S. DeKnight, according to a recent report from The Hollywood Reporter.
The new series will be written by series creator DeKnight, who also co-created the original series alongside Sam Raimi in 2010. According to confirmation from Starz, the new series will “expand” on the original, leaving it a bit unclear as to just what route the show will take as of now. DeKnight will also serve as the showrunner for the series.
“It’s such an incredible honor 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,” DeKnight said in a statement. “Together we are crafting something truly unique and unusual for the next chapter in this epic story.”
According to The Hollywood Reporter, this new entry in the series will take place in the aftermath of the major slave uprising, and is set to “depict a new tale of treachery, deceit, and blood unfolding beneath the foreboding shadow of Rome.”
Starz did also say that the new series will feature characters from the original show, but it’s unclear as to who will be coming back. Throughout its run, Spartacus featured a fairly large and star-studded cast, including Manu Bennett, Peter Mensah, Lucy Lawless, John Hannah, and more.
The original series — titled Spartacus: Blood and Sand — debuted in 2010, and told a fictionalized story of the historical figure of Spartacus, a gladiator who led a major slave uprising against the Roman republic.
The series starred Andy Whitfield in the titular role, but unfortunately, Whitfield was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma following the first season and passed away in 2011. Following his death, the series did continue, with Liam McIntyre taking over for the role of Spartacus for its final two seasons, Spartacus: Vengeance and Spartacus: War of the Damned. A prequel series, Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, also released in 2011, telling the story of the House of Batiatus before the arrival of Spartacus in the city of Capua.
