The upcoming series, Spartacus: House of Ashur, is set to push the boundaries of sex and violence, according to showrunner Steven S. DeKnight and actor Nick E. Tarabay. Speaking at the inaugural Heat Vision Live event, they discussed the creative freedoms afforded by Starz and Lionsgate Television in producing this highly anticipated spin-off.
During the event, DeKnight expressed his willingness to explore the extremes of graphic content. He remarked that he has yet to find a boundary related to sex or violence he is not willing to test, emphasizing the show’s commitment to authenticity. The showrunner mentioned a particularly graphic scene in the second episode, admitting he anticipated pushback from the network. To his surprise, he received none: “I was sure we were going to get a note about that. Nothing,” he stated.
DeKnight explained that the brutality and hypersexuality depicted in Spartacus: House of Ashur are reflective of the historical context of ancient Rome. “This time in ancient Rome was a brutal, brutal time and hypersexual,” he noted. He also shared his pride in introducing a female gladiator to the narrative, highlighting the series’ evolving representation.
In response to concerns about potential backlash from parental advocacy groups regarding the show’s explicit content, DeKnight maintained a light-hearted approach. He welcomed the idea of an advisory, saying, “I welcome a parents advisory out for blood.”
On-Set Safety and Evolving Practices
Tarabay spoke about the evolution of safety protocols on set since the original series premiered 15 years ago. The House of Ashur production has implemented the use of intimacy coordinators for performers who request them. This step is seen as a positive change for new generations of actors. “Bringing that in is great for the new generation. That’s awesome,” Tarabay said.
He also shared insights into the experience of performing nude, stating that while it may initially be daunting, it eventually becomes routine. “But also being nude, after a while, it becomes easy. It becomes just another scene,” he explained.
The discussions at Heat Vision Live reflect a broader conversation about the responsibilities of creators in handling sensitive content. As Spartacus: House of Ashur prepares to launch, it stands at the intersection of artistic expression and audience expectations, aiming to deliver a narrative that is both thrilling and reflective of its historical roots.
Fans of the franchise can expect this new series to not only challenge conventional storytelling but also engage in a dialogue about the implications of its content. With the backing of established networks and a commitment to creative freedom, Spartacus: House of Ashur is poised to make a significant impact in the realm of television.
