Starz made a surprising announcement this morning, one that left Spartacus fans feeling a little blue. The network says this upcoming third season of Spartacus – now officially known as Spartacus: War of the Damned – will be the final season of the show.
Spartacus will conclude with a 10-episode third season set to premiere in January 2013.
The groundbreaking Starz series had more than six million weekly viewers last season and is shown in 150 different countries (in 15 languages).
Announcing the conclusion of Spartacus, creator and executive producer Steven S. DeKnight stated: “The fans have been tremendously supportive of our show. We did not come to this decision lightly. It was an extremely difficult and emotional decision for my partners and I. Yet, in the end, the story was best served by rolling all of the remaining action and drama of Spartacus’ journey into one stunningly epic season that will be extremely satisfying for everyone who’s been along for the ride.”
“Steven DeKnight, Rob Tapert, Josh Donen, and Sam Raimi have made one of the most groundbreaking shows we have ever seen,” said Starz CEO Chris Albrecht. “Spartacus is a landmark series for the network which has enthralled millions of viewers and fans around the world. We are in agreement with our partners in the decision to conclude the story after ‘War of the Damned,’ as we believe it is the best way to maintain the integrity of the series and secure its legacy. While everyone may know the fate of Spartacus, we believe this will be a spectacular season that will startle, amaze and honor the legions of fans.”
The Plot: Spartacus: War of the Damned, currently in production in New Zealand, takes place following the defeat of Roman commander Gaius Claudius Glaber. Spartacus and his men have amassed major victories against the Romans after the Battle of Vesuvius. These victories have not only forged the legend of Spartacus, but have greatly increased the ranks of the rebellion slaves to more than 30,000. Rome is indeed beginning to tremble at the threat Spartacus now represents.
Spartacus: War of the Damned sees the return on Liam McIntyre (Spartacus), Manu Bennett (Crixus), Dustin Clare (Gannicus), Dan Feuerriegel (Agron), Cynthia Addai-Robinson (Naevia) and Ellen Hollman (Saxa). This year, Todd Lasance joins the cast as Gaius Julius Caesar, along with Simon Merrells, who will be playing Marcus Crassus and Anna Hutchison as Laeta.
