“Dollhouse” writers, Jed Whedon (brother of Joss Whedon) and wife Maurissa Tancharoen (aka Kilo on “Dollhouse”) have been tapped for Starz’ new show “Spartacus” of which already has a second season order, before the first season even premiers.
Here is the synopsis for “Spartacus: Blood and Sand”:
Betrayed by the Romans. Forced into slavery. Reborn as a Gladiator. The classic tale of the Republic’s most infamous rebel comes alive in the graphic and visceral new series, Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Torn from his homeland and the woman he loves, Spartacus is condemned to the brutal world of the arena where blood and death are primetime entertainment. But not all battles are fought upon the sands. Treachery, corruption, and the allure of sensual pleasures will constantly test Spartacus. To survive, he must become more than a man. More than a gladiator. He must become a legend.
Starring Australian actor, Andy Whitfield (McLeod’s Daughters) as Spartacus, Lucy Lawless (Xena: Warrior Princess) as Lucretia, John Hannah (The Mummy, Four Weddings and A Funeral) as Batiatus and Peter Mensah (300, The Incredible Hulk) as Doctore, this unique mix of live action, graphic novel effects and brutal battle sequences is set to make “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” an epic television event.
Here is the promo trailer for “Spartacus: Blood and Sand”:
Sam Raimi is indeed one of the executive producers behind this new series (2 episode, according to IMDB). And yes, for you “Legend of the Seeker” fans, that IS Craig Parker as Roman commander, Glaber.
One of “Spartacus”’s executive producers/ writers, Steven S. DeKnight (behind 11 episodes), was also a consulting producer/ writer on “Dollhouse” as well as past co-exec producer/ writer for “Smallville” from 2005-2007, co-producer/ producer/ writer for “Angel” from 2002-2004, and writer on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” from 2001-2002. DeKnight also has directing credits for all the aforementioned shows. Other exec producers including Joshua Donen, Robert Tapert, and Aaron Lam, along with associate/post-production producer Charles Knight have ties to Sam Raimi via “Spider-Man” or “Legend of the Seeker”.
“Spartacus: Blood and Sand” premieres on Starz on January 22nd at 10pm ET/PT.
[Source] TVByTheNumbers, Starz
