GLOBAL HIT SERIES “SPARTACUS” TO RETURN TO STARZ WITH NEW CHAPTER IN DEVELOPMENT

“Spartacus” Creator, Writer And Executive Producer Steven S. DeKnight To Serve As Showrunner And Executive Producer

Steven S. DeKnight, Photo Credit: Dennys Ilic Photography

Santa Monica, Calif. — STARZ announced today it is in development on a series that will expand on its groundbreaking show “Spartacus,” one of STARZ’s most celebrated brands, which aired for four seasons on the platform. The show will explore uncharted territory and new journeys of the original series’ iconic characters. “Spartacus” creator, writer and executive producer Steven S. DeKnight (“Daredevil,” Pacific Rim: Uprising) will serve as showrunner and executive producer.

In the aftermath of the defeat of Spartacus and his rebel army, the drama will depict a new tale of treachery, deceit, and blood unfolding beneath the foreboding shadow of Rome.

“It has been over a decade since ‘Spartacus’ delighted international audiences and we are thrilled to reimagine and expand this gripping, action-packed drama for our viewers today,” said Kathryn Busby, President, Original Programming, STARZ. “‘Spartacus’ has deeply invested fans who are eager for its return, and we look forward to working with Steven on this exciting next chapter.”

“It’s such an incredible honor to be invited to return to the world of ‘Spartacus’ and to be met with unbridled creative support from my colleagues at STARZ and Lionsgate,” said Steven S. DeKnight. “Together we are crafting something truly unique and unusual for the next chapter in this epic story.”

“Spartacus: Blood and Sand” debuted on STARZ in 2010 and was followed by a prequel series chapter “Spartacus: Gods of the Arena” in 2011 and two additional series “Spartacus: Vengeance” in 2012 and “Spartacus: War of the Damned” in 2013.

The project will be produced by Lionsgate Television for STARZ. Executive Vice President, Original Programming, Karen Bailey and Directors, Original Programming, Giovanna Desselle and Alex Alberts will oversee the series on behalf of STARZ. Head of Scripted Development and Executive Vice President, Scott Herbst and Senior Vice President, Scripted Development, Jocelyn Sabo will both oversee for Lionsgate Television.
 

About Steven S. DeKnight
Showrunner and director Steven S. DeKnight broke onto the scene writing for the groundbreaking series BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER and wrote, directed, and produced ANGEL, SMALLVILLE, and DOLLHOUSE before creating and running SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND and SPARTACUS: GODS OF THE ARENA for STARZ. He was the executive producer/showrunner for the Marvel/Netflix series DAREDEVIL as well as JUPITER’S LEGACY and director of the international feature film PACIFIC RIM: UPRISING. Steven is also currently producing QUEEN NZINGA for STARZ. He is represented by CAA, Anonymous Content, and attorneys Jeanne Newman and Matthew Levy of Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman.
 

About STARZ
STARZ (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company, is a leading global media streaming platform committed to delivering premium content that amplifies narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences. STARZ is home to the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app that offers the ability to stream or download STARZ premium content, as well as the flagship domestic STARZ® service, including STARZ ENCORE, 17 premium pay TV channels, and the associated on-demand and online services. In 2018, STARZ launched its international premium streaming platform STARZPLAY, now LIONSGATE+, to provide subscribers access to bold, curated storytelling. LIONSGATE+, coupled with the STARZPLAY ARABIA joint venture in MENA and Lionsgate Play in South and Southeast Asia, has a footprint that extends across the globe. STARZ and LIONSGATE+ are available across digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies around the world. In February 2021, STARZ launched #TakeTheLead, a multi-faceted and innovative inclusion initiative expanding its existing efforts to improve representation on screen, behind the camera and throughout the company.
 

About Lionsgate
Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) encompasses world-class motion picture and television studio operations aligned with the STARZ premium global subscription platform to bring a unique and varied portfolio of entertainment to consumers around the world. The Company’s film, television, subscription and location-based entertainment businesses are backed by a 17,000-title library and a valuable collection of iconic film and television franchises. A digital age company driven by its entrepreneurial culture and commitment to innovation, the Lionsgate brand is synonymous with bold, original, relatable entertainment for audiences worldwide.