Spartacus Sequel to Push Boundaries of Sex & Violence

Showrunner Steven S. DeKnight and actor Nick E. Tarabay recently shared insights on the bold creative direction of Spartacus: House of Ashur, the upcoming Starz spin-off series. Speaking at the Heat Vision Live event, they discussed how the new series explores intense themes without restraint.

Creative Risks and Network Support

At The Hollywood Reporters first Heat Vision Live, DeKnight and Tarabay reflected on the series daring approach. DeKnight emphasized that he has yet to encounter a limit in depicting sex or violence that he is unwilling to challenge. He acknowledged Starz and Lionsgate Television for backing the shows most extreme sequences.

Highlighting a particularly graphic scene in the second episode, DeKnight admitted he expected some resistance from the network. To his surprise, he received no objections at all. He explained, Nothing. The showrunner believes the intense violence and sexual content accurately mirror the brutal reality of ancient Rome. He also expressed pride in introducing a female gladiator to the story.

Grateful for creative freedom, DeKnight remarked, Im very thankful to Lionsgate and Starz that I have not gotten a note that said, Whoa, can you pull it back? When questioned about potential criticism from parental advocacy groups, he joked, I welcome a parents advisory out for blood.

On-Set Safety and Evolving Standards

Tarabay addressed how on-set practices have changed since the original Spartacus series aired 15 years ago. The production of House of Ashur incorporated intimacy coordinators for any performer requesting one. Bringing that in is great for the new generation. Thats awesome, he said.

He also noted that nudity eventually becomes routine in filming. But also being nude, after a while, it becomes easy. It becomes just another scene, Tarabay explained.

Author: Jackson Miller