Steven S. Deknight, the creator, writer, and executive producer of Starz’s mini-series Spartacus: Blood and Sand, presents season two this Friday, Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, a prequel to the first as a new installment and 6-week miniseries.
Some fans speculate that the reasoning behind this prequel is that the former lead Spartacus, Andy Whitefield, contracted non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a treatable form of cancer but also a disappointing stutter in Whitefield’s career.
Kathryn Willis, senior English teacher, is a huge Spartacus fanatic, noting the effects and Shakespearean dialects; “Am I supposed to be watching this in 3D?! [In respect to] the effects, the theatricals resemble the movie 300 [a highly rated, dark and suspenseful flick.],” she said.
Featuring the Thracian gladiator Spartacus (now Liam McIntyre), folk hero and champion slave rebel of ancient Rome, the series entails a crude and eventful show of history, a melodramatic yet great interpretation of the era. Devotees to this epic show will once again see the good, the crude, and the intensity of ancient Roman gladiators and their surrounding society. This go-around, Gannicus (Dustin Clare) will star as the first rising champion from the House of Batiatus.
“Spartacus: Gods of the Arena” airs Fridays on Starz, beginning January 21st at 9pm central time.
