Spartacus – House of Ashur: On the red carpet with the cast and creatives

After a long-awaited hiatus, the sequel spin-off Spartacus: House of Ashur, created by showrunner Steven DeKnight, resurrects Ashur (Nick Tarabay) and gives him the chance to engage with audiences in a different light. As he allies with female gladiatrix, Achillia (Tenika Davies), their vengeful power reigns as they attempt to conquer the elite and step out of their former shadows.

Shot in New Zealand, the new series is full of unbridled debauchery and violence as viewers get to see the deeper layers of Asher’s character. Given the chance to experience power, love and respect, once a slave, he’s gifted the Gladiator school, which was once owned by Batiatius and rewrites history in this new season.

The Upcoming had the pleasure of speaking to DeKnight about writing the script for this new story and the way in which females are given agency.

We spoke to Tarabay about playing the role of Ashur and how he felt coming back into this fifth instalment. He also chatted about preparing for the physicality of the role and how he got into the mindset of his character this time round.

Tenika Davis chatted to us about her role as the first female gladiator, how she used Taekwondo to get her ready for the physical challenges of the role as Achillia and what it was like working so closely with Tarabay on set.

Jamaica Vaughan spoke about playing Hilara and what attracted her to the role. She also revealed what it was like playing out the intimate scenes on screen and the way female characters take centre stage in this new spin-off.

We spoke to Jaime Slater about working on this new project, how enjoyable she found the whole process to be on the incredible set, and working with such a brilliant ensemble cast.

Leigh Gill revealed to us the incredibly tough physical scenes he filmed in the series and working with DeKnight.

As India Shaw-Smith enters the series clouded in grief, she spoke about the onscreen challenges of regaining her strength, the relationship with her on-screen parents, and the wonderful storylines that played out for her character.

Claudia Black spoke about the way her character faced the reality of ageing in the Roman Empire, and how she tried to salvage her daughter from her grief and give her a brighter future. 

Ezelle Alblas

Spartacus: House of Ashur is released on 6^th December 2025.

Watch the trailer for Spartacus: House of Ashur here: