Spartacus: House Of Ashur Star Challenges Outlander’s Jamie Fraser To A Gladiator Duel In Debunking AI

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After a 12-year break, the brutal world of gladiators is back on STARZ, and this week’s episode of Debunking AI tackles the myths surrounding the new Spartacus series. The upcoming premiere of Spartacus: House of Ashur promises plenty of action, violence, and Roman intrigue, but fans are also wondering how much of the original series’ storyline will still matter.

This new series from STARZ imagines a different outcome to the popular historical drama Spartacus. Instead of being killed by Naevia, Ashur survives and plays a key role in the final fight against Spartacus. After the rebellion is crushed, he takes charge of the gladiatorial school previously owned by Batiatus.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0N0O757jfng

I recently sat down with Steven S. DeKnight, the creative force behind the new series House of Ashur, on ScreenRant’s Debunking AI podcast with host Tariq Tabay. We had a really fascinating conversation, diving into things like why bringing Lucy Lawless back as Lucretia was so crucial, how historically accurate the show is when it comes to female gladiators, and even a fun hypothetical: could Ashur actually beat Jamie Fraser from Outlander in a fight? It was a great mix of behind-the-scenes insights and playful speculation.

Spartacus: House Of Ashur’s Achillia Has A Precedent In Roman History

Viewers have raised concerns about how well Spartacus: House of Ashur aligns with both the established storyline of the original series and actual historical events in Ancient Rome. Although the show leaves some questions unanswered, the core story outside of Ashur’s personal life appears to remain consistent. What’s particularly interesting is the continued focus on real Roman politics, which adds fresh and compelling layers to the plot.

Tenika Davis plays Achillia, the first female gladiator ever featured on the show. While not based on a specific historical person, Achillia represents the documented, though rare, existence of female gladiators – known as gladiatrices – in Ancient Rome. Show creator DeKnight expanded on the historical record to create a more developed character.

We initially considered including these elements in the Spartacus series, but historical research showed they didn’t emerge until roughly 80 years after the show’s setting. Ironically, they became so widespread that authorities eventually banned them, viewing them as a challenge to traditional male dominance.

In the show, Ashur turns Achillia into a gladiator to gain recognition for his training school. However, their relationship quickly becomes more friendly—though Ashur would never admit it’s a true friendship.

Sometimes you believe you have a friendship with someone, but then something changes and it becomes clear that’s not the case. Ashur is very direct and doesn’t pretend to be friendly. However, there’s still a level of respect between them. It’s not a close, affectionate bond; it’s more of a polite acknowledgement, wishing the other person well – essentially, hoping they survive. That’s the best you can expect from their relationship.

Lucy Lawless Is Not The Biggest Spartacus Return In House Of Ashur

The new series, Spartacus: House of Ashur, begins with a visit from Lucy Lawless as Lucretia. She pulls the recently deceased Spartacus into a new timeline from the afterlife. This is a crucial moment, as Lucretia and her husband, Batiatus, were key allies for Ashur in the original Spartacus series. The visit also reminds viewers of Ashur’s dangerous nature, considering Lucretia’s journey from his supporter to his victim in Vengeance.

So, don’t get your hopes up for seeing those underworld characters pop up regularly. There was some chatter, even from the AI, that Lucretia would be a big part of the show going forward, but the creator, DeKnight, quickly set the record straight. He basically said they were thrilled to have Lucy Lawless back for the first episode – she’s a really in-demand actress – but that was always just a cameo to get things started, and he didn’t want to give anyone the wrong idea.

Julius Caesar will be an important character in the new season of House of Ashur. Though the role has been recast, the actor playing Caesar, along with his on-screen wife, will cause significant drama when they arrive at the gladiator school. According to the show’s creator, their arrival will shake things up, particularly as tensions rise between Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey – the members of the ruling Triumvirate – and these conflicts will directly impact Ashur’s storyline.

Ashur is deeply affected by this situation. He’s under constant stress, caught in a web of plots, and feels largely powerless. He has very limited options and must use them carefully, or face serious consequences.

Spartacus’ Ashur Vs. Outlander’s Jamie Fraser

The show didn’t always follow the original Spartacus story exactly. One amusing debate among fans was about who would win in a gladiatorial fight: Ashur, or Jamie Fraser, the strong and charming lead from STARZ’s popular series Outlander.

Tarabay playfully threatened to severely beat his opponent, calling for the Scotsman to come forward. DeKnight then added a more serious note, explaining that Ashur is extremely dangerous and viewers will quickly realize this when the show begins. He emphasized that no one would want to fight him.

The show quickly establishes that Ashur is a far more dangerous fighter than he’s been in the past, though viewers will have to wait until December 5th to see the full extent of his abilities. As Tarabay put it, “You don’t want to mess with this guy.” He’s incredibly strong and a clever strategist in battle.

Tarabay spoke positively about actor Sam Heughan, whom he met at Comic-Con, calling him a “lovely fella.” However, he jokingly added that he’d still be up for a challenge against Heughan’s character, Jamie, saying, “Bring it on!”

Check out our other Debunking AI episodes here:

  • Peacemaker Season 2’s Steve Agee
  • S.W.A.T.’s Annie Ilonzeh
  • My Oxford Year’s Corey Mylchreest
  • Twisted Metal Season 2’s Stephanie Beatriz
  • Wednesday Season 2’s Noah Taylor & Georgie Farmer
  • The Wrong Paris’ Miranda Cosgrove & Pearson Fodé
  • The Senior’s Michael Chiklis
  • The Strangers: Chapter 2’s Madelaine Petsch
  • The Paper’s Chelsea Frei, Ramona Young & Melvin Gregg
  • Tulsa King Season 3’s Neal McDonough
  • Wizards Beyond Waverly Place’s David Henrie & Janine LeAnn Brown
  • Ghosts Season 5’s Danielle Pinnock
  • Landman Season 2’s Kayla Wallace
  • Landman Season 2’s Paulina Chavez

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2025-12-03 20:31