Lucy Lawless will return as Lucretia in Spartacus spinoff House of Ashur

Lucy Lawless will return as Lucretia in Spartacus spinoff House of Ashur

As a hardcore fan of historical dramas and someone who lived through the golden age of premium cable shows like “Spartacus” and “Game of Thrones,” I can’t contain my excitement about the upcoming spinoff, “Spartacus: House of Ashur.” The original series took us back to the Roman Empire and brought the brutal world of gladiators to life in a way that was both captivating and gruesome. And while “Game of Thrones” might have had its dragons and White Walkers, “Spartacus” had an unforgettable cast of characters and epic battles that left us on the edge of our seats.


As a dedicated gamer and history enthusiast, I can’t help but reminisce about the captivating journey that “Spartacus” took me on. This groundbreaking series, which aired from 2010 to 2013 on Starz, transported me back in time to the heart of the Roman Empire. The titular gladiator-turned-revolutionary, Spartacus, led an uprising of enslaved brothers and sisters against their oppressors, the Romans. The show was a gritty, edge-of-your-seat experience that resonated deeply with me, sharing similarities to “Game of Thrones,” but without the dragons or zombies. Instead, it offered an unflinching glimpse into the raw, visceral realities of power struggles and survival in ancient times.

Instead of Thrones, which left many questions unanswered, Spartacus concluded with a well-received final episode that gave a fitting send-off to its lead character. It was doubtful that the series would return for more installments, as it had brought closure to all major storylines.

I can’t believe my eyes! It seems like fate is working in mysterious ways: Starz is actually developing a new spin-off titled “Spartacus: House of Ashur.” In this intriguing “what if” scenario, Ashur, the cunning and manipulative slave from Spartacus’ rebellion, played brilliantly by Nick Tarabay in the original series, rises to power and takes control over House Batiatus and its lucrative gladiator business. And that’s not all! We have another beloved actor from “Spartacus” joining the cast: Lucy Lawless will be gracing our screens once again with her captivating portrayal of Lucretia. The excitement is palpable!

Lucy Lawless will guest star in Spartacus: House of Ashur

Lucretia was a significant figure in “Spartacus,” and there’s no need to introduce Lucy Lawless as she is famously recognized as the lead character of “Xena: Warrior Princess.” In “Spartacus,” Lawless had the chance to explore more mature and gory themes, distancing herself from her previous role. Her portrayal of Lucretia was that of Batiatus’ wife, a Roman noble played by John Hannah, who acquires Spartacus and paves his way to becoming a gladiator. Lucretia featured in all but the last season of “Spartacus.” As for her potential appearance in “House of Ashur,” SPOILER ALERT for “Spartacus” season 2: …(waiting 3 seconds)…Lucretia’s presence in “House of Ashur” remains to be seen.

In the second installment of “Spartacus,” titled “Vengeance,” Lucretia experiences a gruesome end following an appalling ordeal at Ashur’s hands. Initially, Lucretia was a privileged lady who delighted in the company of gladiators that caught her fancy. However, things took a sinister turn when Ashur seized Lucretia and subjected her to repeated sexual assaults, pushing her to the brink of insanity. Towards the finale of the season, Ashur struck a bargain with Roman general Gaius Claudius Glaber: he would aid in suppressing Spartacus’ uprising, and in return, Lucretia would become his wife and he would be given authority over House Batiatus’ prosperous gladiator enterprise. This arrangement left Lucretia utterly distraught.

Ashur meets an unfortunate end at the hands of Naevia, Spartacus’ ex-slave and ally. After his demise, Lucretia returns to her devastated home, where she meets her chilling and gory death in one of the most disturbing scenes ever shown on television.

What is Spartacus: House of Ashur be about?

An alternate version envisions a survival for Ashur and Lucretia contrary to their deaths at the hands of Spartacus’ uprising. It seems Ashur manages to accomplish his objective and obtains power over House Batiatus instead. According to recent reports from Deadline, Lawless is set to make a significant guest appearance contributing to the pivotal events that establish “House of Ashur”‘s unique narrative. Lucretia’s comeback plays a crucial role in initiating this alternate series timeline.

It seems to me that Lawless may not make a significant appearance in the upcoming series. Perhaps Lucretia appears initially, only to meet her end through unconventional means, paving the way for Ashur’s rise as the leader of House Batiatus. I’m curious to find out how “House of Ashur” will manage this situation, and while Lawless’ presence in even a single episode would undeniably enhance the spinoff, her absence could also create intriguing possibilities.

Lucy Lawless will return as Lucretia in Spartacus spinoff House of Ashur

The TV show “Spartacus: House of Ashur” boasts an impressive ensemble of actors beyond Lawless and Taraby. Joining them are newcomers to the franchise, including Graham McTavish, Tenika Davis, Jamaica Vaughan, Ivana Baquero, Jordi Webber, Claudia Black, India Shaw-Smith, and Leigh Gill. Steven DeKnight, the creator and writer of “Spartacus,” will oversee the production as showrunner.

On Twitter/X, DeKnight expressed his view that the upcoming show is akin to the focused and compelling prequel season of “Spartacus,” titled “Gods of the Arena.” This installment of “Spartacus” primarily revolved around the gladiator Gannicus (played by Dustin Clare), and while it ultimately connected to the larger “Spartacus” narrative, it also held its own as a distinct and excellent storyline. I share DeKnight’s appreciation for “Gods of the Arena,” so I’m looking forward to seeing if the new spin-off manages to capture similar elements.

The release date for “Spartacus: House of Ashur” is still unknown as production has not begun yet. It’s likely that the show will air some time in 2025 or potentially 2026.

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2024-07-24 23:41

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