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Starz announced a Winter debut for its epic gladiator drama, Spartacus: House of Ashur, with a fiery new teaser trailer released during a panel today at San Diego Comic-Con. The action-packed teaser primed fans for the much-anticipated next chapter in the Spartacus franchise, led by executive producer and showrunner Steven S. DeKnight (Daredevil).

Joining DeKnight on the San Diego Comic-Con panel was the show’s cast, including Nick E. Tarabay (Spartacus), Tenika Davis (Jupiter’s Legacy), Graham McTavish (The Witcher), Jamaica Vaughan (Home and Away), Jordi Webber (Choose Love), and Jaime Slater (Jupiter’s Legacy), with Liam McIntyre, who played the role of “Spartacus” in previous chapters, moderating.

Spartacus: House of Ashur is a thrilling, erotic, history-bending, roller-coaster experience that builds on everything that made the original series a colossal hit. What if he lived, and the Romans rewarded his treachery with the gladiator school where he once bled? Welcome to the House of Ashur.

During its original run on Starz, Spartacus was known (among other things) for its highly stylized action sequences and copious spillage of blood. With the franchise set return more than a decade after it last aired, those things don’t appear to have changed much.

Starz unveiled a trailer for its forthcoming series Spartacus: House of Ashur Saturday at Comic-Con in San Diego, and both hallmarks are present in the clip. The trailer greatly expands on a brief teaser released in January, delving more into Ashur’s (Nick E. Tarabay) place in society now that he runs a gladiator school and spending more time with its fighters, including a rare woman among the ranks, Achillia (Tenika Davis). Watch it below.

Ashur died in the finale of 2012’s Spartacus: Vengeance, so the new series presents an alternate history in which he didn’t. Here’s how Starz describes the show: “What if he lived,...

The latest expansion of the “Spartacus” franchise, “Spartacus: House of Ashur,” sees the first female gladiator enter the arena.

The first trailer for the spinoff series premiered at Comic-Con in San Diego Saturday afternoon. “Spartacus” creator, writer, and executive producer Steven S. DeKnight announced the new series’ winter premiere slot on stage with the cast of “House of Ashur,” including Nick E. Tarabay, Tenika Davis , Graham McTavish, Jamaica Vaughan, Jordi Webber and Jaime Slater. Liam McIntyre, who played the titular role of “Spartacus” in previous chapters, moderated the panel.

“Spartacus: House of Ashur” is a truth-bending spinoff in which viewers can imagine an alternate reality in which the Romans rewarded Ashur’s treachery with the gladiator school where he once bled. In the series, Ashur (Tarabay) is no longer a slave but a teacher and a mentor.

Gladiators are defeated in the arena as blood spurts from their dying bodies...

I don’t know about you guys, but I never get enough of historical fiction dramas and epic action series and films. Not only do they present us with specific depictions and reimaginings of key moments throughout history, but they also introduce us to the fascinating people—real and imagined—who endured such brutal times. As of late, we’ve seen a heavy focus on a couple of my favorite historical topics, Ancient Rome and gladiators. No film or series has better focused on and depicted gladiatorial life like Starz hit franchise Spartacus, which is set to return later this year with a new installment. Here’s a peek at how Spartacus: House of Ashur is reimagining the franchise’s story.

We first met Ashur in the series premiere, Spartacus: Blood and Sand. He was not a popular character. As a gladiator-turned-assassin for the House of Batiatus, he was villainous and resentful,...

More than 10 years after the last installment of Spartacus aired, House of Ashur marks the return of Starz’ hit series. The teaser promises the same degree of stylized action, drama, and character complexity that previous iterations of the franchise have boasted.

Per The Hollywood Reporter, the series will be centered around Ashur, played by Nick Tarabay. Those with a keen memory may remember that in the 2012 series finale of Spartacus: Vengeance, Tarabay’s character died, but Starz explains his return as follows: "The series poses the question: what if Ashur, hadn’t died on Mount Vesuvius at the end of Spartacus: Vengeance? And what if he had been gifted the gladiator school once owned by Batiatus in return for aiding the Romans in killing Spartacus and putting an end to the slave rebellion?"

Related 'I've Been Asked': Friday Night Lights Fan Favorite Confirms Reboot Return Talks

Taylor Kitsch is game...

Get ready to head back to Sparta, folks. Starz and Lionsgate Television have unveiled the first teaser trailer for the forthcoming installment in their Spartacus universe, revealing Spartacus: House of Ashur's arrival to our screens this fall. And they're taking a sort of revisionist turn in this iteration, bringing Nick Tarabay's Ashur back from the dead and into a seat of power in the gladiatorial world fans have already come to know and love.

According to the synopsis:

Spartacus: House of Ashur will be a history-bending, erotic, thrilling, roller-coaster experience that builds on everything that made the original series a colossal hit. The series poses the question: what if Ashur, hadn’t died on Mount Vesuvius at the end of Spartacus: Vengeance? And what if he had been gifted the gladiator school once owned by Batiatus in return for aiding the Romans in killing Spartacus and putting...

Starz’s first teaser trailer for Spartacus: House of Ashur provides just a 40-second sneak peek at the much-anticipated Spartacus spinoff. But those 40 seconds are enough to reignite fans who will, unfortunately, have to wait until this fall to return to the gladiator arena.

Nick Tarabay returns to the world of gladiators, reprising his role as Ashur. Outlander’s Graham McTavish stars as Korris, Ashur’s Doctore, and Tenika Davis stars as Achillia, a fierce gladiatrix. The cast also includes Jamaica Vaughan (Home and Away), Ivana Baquero (The Shannara Chronicles), Jordi Webber (Choose Love), Claudia Black (Farscape), India Shaw-Smith (The Pines Still Whisper), and Leigh Gill (Joker).

“Spartacus: House of Ashur will be a history-bending, erotic, thrilling, roller-coaster experience that builds on everything that made the original series a colossal hit,” reads Starz’s synopsis. “The series poses the question: what if Ashur, hadn’t died on Mount Vesuvius at the end of Spartacus: Vengeance?...

The first teaser trailer for Spartacus: House of Ashur has entered the arena! Starz‘s sequel series welcomes a new era of gladiatorial combat drama to the stage, along with an autumn release window.

Here’s the official synopsis for Spartacus: House of Ashur courtesy of Starz:

“What if Ashur (Nick Tarabay), hadn’t died on Mount Vesuvius at the end of ‘Spartacus: Vengeance?’ And what if he had been gifted the gladiator school once owned by Batiatus in return for aiding the Romans in killing Spartacus and putting an end to the slave rebellion?”

Created, written, and executive-produced by Steve DeKnight, Spartacus raised its sword and shield on Starz in 2010 with its first season, Spartacus: Blood and Sand. A prequel series followed called Spartacus: Gods of the Arena in 2011, with Spartacus: Vengeance dropping in 2012 and Spartacus: War of the Damned in 2013. The original series, Blood and Sand, revolved around the life of Spartacus,...

Starz has released the first look at its upcoming action-packed gladiator drama Spartacus: House of Ashur with a teaser trailer that gives fans an early peek at the next chapter in the Spartacus franchise set to premiere this fall.

Nick Tarabay reprises his role as the infamous Ashur in this epic new saga which re-imagines possibilities and turns of fate from the original fan-favorite series. Outlander‘s Graham McTavish will co-star as Korris, Ashur’s Doctore, and Tenika Davis as Achillia, a fierce gladiatrix, with Steven S. DeKnight also continuing to helm the world of Spartacus as executive producer and showrunner.

Spartacus: House of Ashur will be a history-bending, erotic, thrilling, roller-coaster experience that builds on everything that made the original series a colossal hit. The series poses the question: what if Ashur, hadn’t died on Mount Vesuvius at the end of Spartacus: Vengeance?

And what if he had...

“Spartacus” is back — just without a Spartacus.

On Wednesday, January 15, Starz released the first-look teaser trailer for “Spartacus: House of Ashur,” a sequel to its original three-season “Spartacus” series, which started in 2010 with “Spartacus: Blood and Sand,” continued with “Spartacus: Vengeance,” and concluded in 2013 with “Spartacus: War of the Damned.” Between “Blood and Sand” and “Vengeance,” Starz made a six-episode miniseries “Spartacus: Gods of the Arena.”

(Spartacus, by the way, is a real historical figure. He was a Thracian gladiator and one of the escaped slaves who led an uprising against the Roman Republic in the early first century BC. Andy Whitfield played Spartacus for the first season and provided a brief voiceover for its prequel. At the time, he was battling stage IV non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Whitfield died in 2011; Liam McIntyre took over the role in Seasons 2 and 3. Kirk Douglas famously played Spartacus in Stanley Kubrick’s 1960 film.)

“Spartacus: House of Ashur...

Starz has dropped the first teaser for the sequel series “Spartacus: House of Ashur.”

The teaser sets up a “new era” of combat in the arena with plenty of blood and sand to go around. The teaser also revealed that the show will launch this fall though a specific premiere date has yet to be announced.

Watch the teaser below.

“House of Ashur” was greenlit at Starz in November 2023, with the show having first reported to be in development in February of that year. The official description for the series states that it poses the question “What if Ashur (Nick Tarabay), hadn’t died on Mount Vesuvius at the end of ‘Spartacus: Vengeance?’ And what if he had been gifted the gladiator school once owned by Batiatus in return for aiding the Romans in killing Spartacus and putting an end to the slave rebellion?”

Along with Tarabay, the cast will include Graham McTavish as Korris,...

The concluding episode of a television series can be an arduous task that stirs a wide array of emotions within viewers, leaving them gratified, astonished, or even heartbroken. Oftentimes, fan-favorite shows may have the rug pulled out from under them by networks or streaming services before they get the chance to finish their story arcs.

Related: Top 10 Best TV Series of All Time, Ranked by Viewers

But if a series is given room and opportunity, sometimes it concludes in perfect harmony – bringing everything full circle while satisfying long-time viewers with no sense of artificiality within its final moments.

The most unforgettable TV series finales are those that etch a lasting memory and become integral parts of popular culture. This article will delve into the top 10 most memorable TV series finales that captivate fans long after their initial airings.

From Friends to Breaking Bad — here are ten television series finales that nailed it.

We’ve come a long way in terms of fairy tales centered on a handsome prince from a far-off land rescuing a beautiful, distressed damsel from a life of destitution. It’s widely welcomed that women can rescue themselves and concurrently complement the male arc. With Netflix delivering progressive modernizations of these fantasies in their stable of holiday-themed titles, they’ve ever-so-slightly refashioned the traditional model of empty-calorie cinematic confections. Yet their off-season offerings have been scarce — until now, with Rick Jacobson’s “The Royal Treatment,” which takes expected genre trappings and infuses them with unexpected delights, creating an enlightened, enchanting and entertaining feature.

Indomitable beauty salon owner Izzy (Laura Marano) has never met a head of hair or a troubled soul she hasn’t been able to touch. A fixture in her Bronx neighborhood, delivering donuts and smiles in equal measure to friends and family, her Italian heart of gold keeps her world turning.

"We're in Hair Camp, and you're out flirting with hot royalty." Netflix has unveiled the official trailer for another sappy romantic comedy called The Royal Treatment. Which just copies so many other romcom stories with "what if she could be a princess by marrying this guy?!" Been there, done that, this isn't new, yet they keep making these. New York hairdresser Izzy, played by Laura Marano, seizes the chance to work at the wedding of a charming prince, but when sparks between them fly, will love — or duty — prevail? She and Prince Thomas learn that taking control of their own destiny requires following their hearts. The full cast includes Mena Massoud (from Aladdin!), Chelsie Preston Crayford, Grace Bentley-Tsibuah, and Cameron Rhodes. Looks like yet another extra cheesy Hallmark holiday special that Netflix scooped up. Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for Rick Jacobson's The Royal Treatment, from Netflix's YouTube:...

Stephen Lang is terrifying and sightless again in the newly released trailer for “Don’t Breathe 2,” releasing in theaters on Aug. 13.

The movie, a sequel to the 2016 thriller “Don’t Breathe,” follows the Blind Man several years later, living in an isolated cabin with a young girl orphaned from a devastating house fire. When a group of criminals kidnap the girl, the Blind Man must leave his safe haven to rescue her.

In the first film, a group of young burglars break into the Blind Man’s house looking for an easy score, but the sightless homeowner turns out to be a brutally skilled murderer. It is later revealed that he had kidnapped and held a young woman hostage, impregnating her in hopes of replacing his daughter, who the woman killed in a car accident. When he accidentally shoots his prisoner during the robbery attempt, he captures and rapes one of...

Aladdin star Mena Massoud has picked up his next big role as he's been tapped by Netflix to star alongside Laura Marano in the upcoming romantic drama The Royal Treatment. Written by Holly Hester Marano, the movie is directed by Rick Jacobson. Ellen Marano and Vanessa Marano for Calabrian Rhode will also produce with Chloe Smith, and Steve Berman and Dan Read will executive produce for Ffi.

The Royal Treatment is a love story following Isabella (Ellen Marano) and Prince Thomas (Mena Massoud). Per Deadline, the story picks up as "Isabella runs her own salon and isn't afraid to speak her mind, while Prince Thomas runs his own country and is about to marry for duty rather than love. When Izzy and her fellow stylists get the opportunity of a lifetime to do the hair for the royal wedding, she and Prince Thomas learn that taking control of their own destiny requires following their hearts.

Exclusive: Netflix is adding another royal feature to its cannon. Austin & Ally alum Laura Marano and Mena Massoud, who starred in the Disney live-action Aladdin remake, are set to star in The Royal Treatment romance feature for Netflix. Rick Jacobson is directing the pic from a screenplay by Holly Hester. Marano will produce with Ellen Marano and Vanessa Marano for Calabrian Rhode and Chloe Smith.

The story follows Isabella and Prince Thomas. Isabella runs her own salon and isn’t afraid to speak her mind, while Prince Thomas runs his own country and is about to marry for duty rather than love. When Izzy and her fellow stylists get the opportunity of a lifetime to do the hair for the royal wedding, she and Prince Thomas learn that taking control of their own destiny requires following their hearts.

Executive producers are Steve Berman and Dan Read for Ffi.

Project Blue Book fans will be left with a few questions after History cancelled the Aidan Gillen-fronted drama.

The second season of the UFO drama ended on March 24 with Gillen’s Dr. Allen Hynek searching for his colleague Capt. Michael Quinn, played by Michael Malarkey, who was evidently blown to bits by an underwater explosion.

However, the A+E Networks’ cable network has opted not to pursue a third season of the show.

The show was created by David O’Leary, who served as writer and executive producer alongside writer-showrunner Sean Jablonski, Zemeckis, Jackie Levine and Barry Jossen.

Produced by A+E Studios and Compari Entertainment, Project Blue Book is inspired by the personal experiences of Dr. J. Allen Hynek (Gillen), a brilliant college professor recruited by the U.S. Air Force to spearhead this clandestine operation — Project Blue Book — that researched thousands of cases, more than 700 of which remain unsolved to this day.

History’s drama series “Knightfall” will return with its second season — which includes Mark Hamill — on Monday, March 25 at 10 p.m. Et/Pt, A + E Studios announced during the Television Critics Association press tour Sunday. But if you can’t wait that long to see Hamill trade in his lightsaber for a Medieval sword, you’re in luck, because History also dropped the Season 2 trailer.

The 2-minute, 16-second video teases Hamill’s debut as Talus, a battle-hardened Knight Templar veteran and initiate master who is tasked with preparing the next generation of men to proudly wear the red cross on their chests and become “God’s Executioners.” Based on the trailer, it seems Talus oscillates between giving out sage advice, and punching people.

Hamill joins series star Tom Cullen (Sir Landry du Lauzon) — who he punches in the face in the clip above, by the way — for the eight-episode Season...

History has set Monday, March 25 at 10 Pm for the season 2 premiere of its popular medieval drama series Knightfall from A+E Studios, Jeremy Renner’s The Combine and Midnight Radio. The date was announced Sunday at TCA along with the first trailer (watch above).

Mark Hamill makes his series debut alongside star Tom Cullen in the eight-episode Season 2 which embraces a more brutal view of this harsh time in history, and heads towards the ultimate demise of the Templar Order which occurred on Friday the 13th, 1307.

Knightfall goes inside the medieval politics and warfare of the Knights Templar, the most powerful, wealthy and mysterious military order of the Middle Ages. The series goes deep into the clandestine world of this legendary brotherhood of warrior monks to learn who these knights were, how they lived, and what they died believing. Season 2 focuses on themes such as power, redemption, revenge, betrayal, family, and...

History has ordered a second season of its medieval drama series Knightfall, with Star Wars‘ Mark Hamill joining the cast and Aaron Helbing set as showrunner and executive producer. Also joining the Season 2 cast is Tom Forbes and Genevieve Gaunt (The Royals).

Starring Tom Cullen, Knightfall, from A+E Studios, Jeremy Renner’s The Combine and Midnight Radio, goes inside the medieval politics and warfare of the Knights Templar, the most powerful, wealthy and mysterious military order of the Middle Ages who were entrusted with protecting Christianity’s most precious relics. Knightfall goes deep into the clandestine world of this legendary brotherhood of warrior monks to learn who these knights were, how they lived, and what they died believing.

Hamill will play Talus, a battle-hardened Knight Templar veteran of the Crusades, who survived captivity for 10 years in the Holy...

“Knightfall” has been renewed for a second season at History, the cabler announced Monday.

In addition, Aaron Helbing has been brought on board as executive producer and showrunner on Season 2 of the Knights Templar drama, taking over from Dominic Minghella. Helbing was most recently an executive producer and writer on CW’s “The Flash.” His other credits include “Black Sails,” “Spartacus: War of the Damned,” “The Mob Doctor,” and “Mortal Kombat: Legacy.” He is repped by CAA.

The series has also added three new cast members for the second season. “Star Wars” vet Mark Hamill will play the role of Talus, a battle-hardened Knight Templar veteran of the Crusades who survived captivity for ten years in the Holy Land and is tasked with training the new initiates to the Order.

Tom Forbes will appear as Prince Louis, the violent and unpredictable son of King Philip and heir to the throne.

History has renewed the Knights Templar drama “Knightfall” for a second season, the network announced on Monday.

For the drama’s second outing, “Star Wars” star Mark Hamill will join the cast, and “The Flash” executive producer Aaron Helbing will take over showrunning duties.

Led by Tom Cullen, “Knightfall” tells the story of the Knights Templar, the most powerful, wealthy and mysterious military order of the Middle Ages who were entrusted with protecting Christianity’s most precious relics.

Also Read: That Time Mark Hamill Told Schwarzenegger to Lose the Accent

Hamill will play the role of Talus, a battle-hardened Knight Templar veteran of the Crusades, who survived captivity for 10 years in the Holy Land and is tasked with training the new initiates to the Order.

Also joining the cast for Season 2 are “The Bastard Executioner” alum Tom Forbes as Prince Louis, the violent and unpredictable son of King Philip and heir to the throne,...

Over the past week, Ash vs Evil Dead was canceled by Starz and Bruce Campbell announced his retirement from portraying evil-fighting extraordinaire Ash Williams, but there's one last episode of Ash vs Evil Dead to enjoy, and by the looks of the trailer, the final episode is going to be a blood-spattered sendoff for one of the horror genre's most iconic characters.

Written and directed by Rick Jacobson, the series finale of Ash vs Evil Dead, titled "The Mettle of Man", airs on Sunday, April 29th on Starz. Following the penultimate episode of the series (fittingly titled "Judgement Day"), the series finale will pit Ash against the biggest Deadite threat yet, and it looks like he'll have to risk it all to save the ones he loves, including his long-lost daughter, Brandy (Arielle Carver-o'Neill).

In case you missed it, read Campbell's heartfelt farewell letter to Ash fans here, catch up...

There will be no fourth season for Starz’s Ash Vs Evil Dead.

The premium cabler has opted not to move forward with a Season 4 of Sam Raimi’s horror comedy starring Bruce Campbell, Lucy Lawless and Ray Santiago, and the Season 3 finale on April 29 will serve as the series ender.

“Ash v Evil Dead has taken audiences on a wild ride for three seasons thanks to the fantastic performances and creative efforts of Sam, Bruce, Rob and the entire cast and crew. We are proud to send the show out with a bang…and a splat,” said Carmi Zlotnik, President of Programming for Starz.

Campbell also tweeted his farewell to “the role of a lifetime.”

Ash Vs Evil Dead has been the ride of a lifetime. Ash Williams was the role of a lifetime.

I will always be grateful to Starz, Sam Raimi, Rob Tapert and our tireless fans...

Starz has canceled the horror-comedy series “Ash vs. Evil Dead” after three seasons, the network announced on Friday.

The upcoming season 3 finale, set to air Sunday, April 29, will now serve as the series finale.

The decision comes as Starz prepares to launch two new series next month, the Mexican-American family drama “Vida” and “Sweetbitter,” an adaptation of the 2016 Stephanie Danler novel about the New York City restaurant industry.

Also Read: 'American Gods' Picks New Showrunner for Season 2

“Ash vs. Evil Dead” starred Bruce Campbell — reprising his role as Ash Williams from the “Evil Dead” film franchise — alongside Lucy Lawless, Ray Santiago and Dana DeLorenzo. “Evil Dead” filmmakers Sam Raimi, Rob Tapert served as executive producers on the series alongside Campbell, Ivan Raimi and Rick Jacobson. Mark Verheiden was showrunner with producer Moira Grant.

Campbell and Raimi first teamed up for the original 1981 film “The Evil Dead.” Shot on a shoestring budget of approximately $350,000 in the woods of Tennessee, the film went on to gross over $2.4 million worldwide and achieved cult status.

The duo later reteamed for a series of sequels and a 2013 reboot before the TV series follow-up “Ash vs. Evil Dead” debuted on Starz in 2015 to critical acclaim.

Read original story ‘Ash vs. Evil Dead’ Canceled After 3 Seasons on Starz At TheWrap...

Judgment day is coming, and the massive evil it carries is none too pleased with Ash and his evil-fighting friends in the preview episode of Ash vs Evil Dead Season 3.

Written and directed by Rick Jacobson, the next episode of Ash vs Evil Dead, fittingly titled "Judgement Day", will air on Starz on Sunday, April 22nd. You can watch the new preview video below, and in case you missed it, check here for our previous Ash vs Evil Dead Season 3 coverage, including our interviews with the cast.

Ash vs Evil Dead Episode 3.09 synopsis: "Pablo's role as Brujo Especiale has him straddle the worlds of good and evil to keep the rift open for Ash to save Brandy and Kelly, but they run into a snag. Ruby and Kaya faceoff with The Dark Ones."



The post Watch a Preview Video for the Penultimate Episode of Ash Vs Evil Dead Season 3 appeared first on Daily Dead.

The upcoming episode of Ash vs Evil Dead is titled "Second Coming," so it's rather fitting that our exclusive photo from the season 2 finale features what looks to be the return of the Necronomicon’s demon spawn.

Directed by Rick Jacobson from a script by Luke Kalteux, "Second Coming" airs at 8:00pm Et on Sunday, December 11th on Starz. Stay tuned to Daily Dead for upcoming coverage of the Deadite-slaying series, and in case you missed it, check out an additional photo from the Ash vs Evil Dead Season 2 finale.

Episode 210 – "Second Coming" synopsis: "Ash challenges Baal to a brawl in a final attempt to save humanity from evil."

“Ash vs Evil Dead,” a 10-episode half-hour series, is the long-awaited follow-up to the classic horror film, The Evil Dead.

The second season roars back into action with Ash leaving his beloved Jacksonville and returning to his hometown of Elk Grove,...

"The end is near" in the new preview video for the season 2 finale of Ash vs Evil Dead, which teases some familiar cabin-set creepiness.

Directed by Rick Jacobson from a script by Luke Kalteux, "Second Coming" airs at 8:00pm Et on Sunday, December 11th on Starz. Stay tuned to Daily Dead for upcoming coverage of the Deadite-slaying series.

Episode 210 – "Second Coming" synopsis: "Ash challenges Baal to a brawl in a final attempt to save humanity from evil."

“Ash vs Evil Dead,” a 10-episode half-hour series, is the long-awaited follow-up to the classic horror film, The Evil Dead.

The second season roars back into action with Ash leaving his beloved Jacksonville and returning to his hometown of Elk Grove, Michigan. There, he confronts Ruby. The former enemies have to form an uneasy alliance as Elk Grove soon becomes the nucleus of evil.

The cast is led by Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead,...

Sneak Peek footage from "Victory", the series finale of "Spartacus: War of the Damned", directed by Rick Jacobson, that aired April 12, 2013 on Starz, as well as a compilation of all the best 'fight scenes' from the gladiator-action series:

"...even though outnumbered, 'Spartacus' and his rebel army make one last effort to win freedom in a decisive battle against the 'Romans' commanded by 'Marcus Crassus'..."

Cast of "Victory" includes Liam McIntyre as 'Spartacus', Manu Bennett as 'Crixus', Dustin Clare as 'Gannicus', Cynthia Addai-Robinson as 'Naevia', Daniel Feuerriegel as 'Agron' and Todd Lasance as 'Caesar'. Also starring are Simon Merrells as 'Crassus', Pana Hema Taylor as 'Nasir', Anna Hutchison as 'Laeta', Jenna Lind as 'Kore', Barry Duffield as 'Lugo', Luna Rioumina as 'Belesa' and Gwendoline Taylor as 'Sibyl'.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Spartacus: War Of The Damned: Victory"...

Stephen Harber Nov 1, 2016

Ash vs Evil Dead's first real Big Bad is finally introduced in the middle of its second season. So...what now?

This review contains spoilers.

See related David Fincher interview: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, Heavy Metal and Benjamin Button

2.5 Confinement

This week, I watched The Quick And The Dead all the way through for the first time ever. The funny thing is, I owned it on DVD once. It’s one of those movies you mean to get around to watching one day, but I was never in the mood for a Western unless it was full-on spaghetti, so I wouldn’t make it past the first half hour or so. After sitting through its entirety with rapt and (mostly) undivided attention, I realize now that it’s one of Sam Raimi’s greatest achievements as a director. Although its A-list cast might be its most impressive feature,...

Fantastic Fest has already revealed an amazing lineup over the past month, but their newly announced final wave of programming should cause even more fans to make room on their calendars between September 22nd–29th.

Fantastic Fest's final wave of programming has several big treats in store for horror comedy fans, as Bruce Campbell will be in attendance for screenings of the first two episodes of Ash vs Evil Dead Season 2 (ahead of the first season's October 2nd premiere on Starz).

Another WolfCop, the sequel to 2014's WolfCop, will make its world premiere, and a special screening of the first episode of HBO's Westworld series will also take place.

The creature feature Colossal will be shown as the festival's closing film, and A Monster Calls and The Autopsy of Jane Doe are also scheduled to screen. For full details, we have the official press release below. Which film are you...

Ash vs Evil Dead, Season 1, Episode 10, “The Dark One”

Written by Craig Digregorio

Directed by Rick Jacobson

Airs Saturdays at 9pm (Et) on Starz

The first season of Ash vs Evil Dead comes to a close with an episode bordering on greatness before offering an ineffectual shrug of an ending. “The Dark One” has a lot going for it: Ash (Bruce Campbell) and recently revealed “big bad” Ruby (Lucy Lawless) finally go head to head, the stakes the show have set up feel serious enough to cause tension, and episode director Rick Jacobson ratchets up the visual insanity. Jacobson’s direction here is the closest the show has come yet to accurately capturing original franchise director Sam Raimi’s gonzo style: quick, violent cuts that come in bursts, titled angles, horror that comes as a result of overwhelming lunacy. There’s even a nice Three Stooges moment, where Ash attempts...

"You are the one obstacle in my way, so what's your price?" The Ash vs Evil Dead Season 1 finale is nearly here, and to help hold fans over until Saturday night, a new clip from "The Dark One" teases a tempting offer.

Ep. 110 – "The Dark One": "In the season finale, Ash will be offered a deal that could change him and mankind forever in a monumental last-ditch attempt to rid the world of the Evil."

Directed by Rick Jacobson, "The Dark One" airs Saturday, January 2nd at 9:00pm Est on Starz.

“Ash vs Evil Dead” follows Ash, the stock boy, aging lothario and chainsaw-handed monster hunter who has spent the last 30 years avoiding responsibility, maturity and the terrors of the Evil Dead. When a Deadite plague threatens to destroy all of mankind, Ash is finally forced to face his demons –personal and literal. Destiny, it turns out, has...

"Everything in here will be let loose upon the world." With the final season one episode of Ash vs Evil Dead airing this Saturday night, it's time for Ash to load the boomstick, rev the chainsaw, and prepare to face what lies in the cellar, and the new preview video for the upcoming episode promises a bloody finish.

Ep. 110 – "The Dark One": "In the season finale, Ash will be offered a deal that could change him and mankind forever in a monumental last-ditch attempt to rid the world of the Evil."

Directed by Rick Jacobson, "The Dark One" airs Saturday, January 2nd at 9:00pm Est on Starz.

“Ash vs Evil Dead” follows Ash, the stock boy, aging lothario and chainsaw-handed monster hunter who has spent the last 30 years avoiding responsibility, maturity and the terrors of the Evil Dead. When a Deadite plague threatens to destroy all of mankind,...

Raimi is directing the first episode of Ash vs Evil Dead that he wrote with Ivan Raimi (Darkman Army of Darkness Drag Me to Hell) Craig Digregorio (Workaholics Chuck) and Tom Spezialy (Chuck Reaper Desperate Housewives). Michael J. Bassett who helmed Solomon Kane Deathwatch and Silent Hill Revelation 3D will direct an episode Canadian filmmaker David Frazee who shot a few episodes of Orphan Black is involved New Zealander Michael Hurst of Xena and Spartacus fame will step behind the camera for an episode Aussie Tony Tilse who shot Underbelly Xena and Spartucus vet Rick Jacobson is responsible for the season finale.

Raimi is directing the first episode of Ash vs Evil Dead that he wrote with Ivan Raimi (Darkman Army of Darkness Drag Me to Hell) Craig Digregorio (Workaholics Chuck) and Tom Spezialy (Chuck Reaper Desperate Housewives). Michael J. Bassett who helmed Solomon Kane Deathwatch and Silent Hill Revelation 3D will direct an episoe Canadian filmmaker David Frazee who shot a few episodes of Orphan Black is involved New Zealander Michael Hurst of Xena and Spartacus fame will step behind the camera for an episode Aussie Tony Tilse who shot Underbelly Xena and Spartucus vet Rick Jacobson is responsible for the season finale.

Spartacus: Blood and Sand, Season 1: Episode 6 – “Delicate Things”

Written by Tracy Bellomo & Andrew Chambliss

Directed by Rick Jacobson

Originally aired February 26th, 2010 on Starz

While Ashur tries to push Batiatus into acting quickly at the news of Barca’s apparent betrayal, he tells his dominus that “When a man is pressed, lies flow with greater ease.” Daggers and deceit seem to run rampant in Spartacus, and not just in the Roman storylines. If the slaves are learning anything from their masters, it’s how to twist the tongue to their own ends.

Spartacus, our hero, is not exempt from the tactics. With newly-earned street cred., Spartacus uses the attention he receives to shape an elaborate escape fantasy for when his wife arrives to Capua. Part of that web is extending an invitation to the magistrate’s son to visit Batiatus’ villa so that Spartacus can gain access to an easily-concealable (and,...

Spartacus: Blood and Sand, Season 1: Episode 2 – “Sacramentum Gladiatorum”

Written by Steven S. DeKnight

Directed by Rick Jacobson

Originally aired January 29th, 2010

“A man must accept his fate…or be destroyed by it.”

Following a pilot that enabled the world of Spartacus: Blood and Sand to come together, “Sacramentum Gladiatorum” is the beginning of a new life for the man now known as Spartacus. Even as he denies that identity, trying to say his true name out loud, Blood and Sand kicks him from behind and holds him down on his knees. The ability to accept one’s fate is much easier said than done when that fate is so unfortunate as Spartacus’. In a cruel opening sequence, his dream of being with his wife again is brutally cut off by visions of blood and pain. And as the warmth of Capua plagues its citizens with drought and harsh conditions,...

Spartacus: Blood and Sand, Season 1: Episode 1 – “The Red Serpent”

Written by Steven S. DeKnight

Directed by Rick Jacobson

Originally aired January 22nd, 2010 on Starz

A Short Introduction

Five years ago, Starz premiered Spartacus: Blood and Sand. The series was originally written off by most viewers and critics as being gratuitous, lacking quality storytelling and employing a juvenile aesthetic (or a borrowed one, in the case of the 300 comparisons). During its run on Starz, Spartacus garnered a respectable viewership by the network’s standards, but the number of people who went back to re-evaluate the series and see what was actually there was simply too small in the end. Fast forward to now. Netflix has released the entirety of Spartacus (which features three full-length seasons and a prequel mini-series, all with different subtitles), and subscribers to the streaming service now have a chance to take part in one of television...

Southland, “Chaos”

Written by Zack Whedon

Directed by Christopher Chulack

Aired April 10th, 2013 on TNT

Forget Hannibal. Forget American Horror Story. Forget “The Rains of Castamere.” You want harrowing? You want soul-crushing blackness with a side of trauma? You want pure, unforgiving narrative nihilism? Try on the penultimate episode of sadly-departed cop drama Southland. Whereas the typical episode hones in on a few plotlines between seven or eight characters, “Chaos” revolves mostly around a single, nightmare-inducing act: the kidnapping of two of our principal characters by a pair of deranged meth-heads. On paper, it sounds like your average “Very Special Episode” of… really, any cop show ever. The “team member(s) get nabbed and have to be rescued by the rest of the team” setup is well-worn territory. “Chaos”, however, is a different beast entirely. Based loosely on a real incident, “Chaos” earns its title honestly, unfolding seemingly without rhyme or reason,...

Exclusive: Red Sea Media has come on to handle international sales at Afm on WWII film The Mighty Eighth, which David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman of The Fighter are on board to produce.

Rick Jacobson of Spartacus fame will direct from a screenplay he co-wrote with one of the project’s producers, Kurt Johnstad, whose writing credits include 300 and Act Of Valor.==

FX wizards and Hydraulx co-heads Greg and Colin Strause will also produce the story of an American bomber crew behind enemy lines who must survive a swarm of German fighters. CAA handles domestic rights.

“My goal with The Mighty Eighth is to create a film that not only thrills and entertains the masses, but opens eyes and honors an important part of World War II that has never been portrayed the way it actually was,” said Jacobson.

“Terrifying, intense, bloody, brutal, emotional, heroic, spectacular… all anchored around the special, emotional bond between...

Tiff’s Midnight Madness program turned 25 this year, and for two and half decades, the hardworking programers have gathered some of the strangest, most terrifying, wild, intriguing and downright entertaining films from around the world. From dark comedies to Japanese gore-fests and indie horror gems, the Midnight Madness program hasn’t lost its edge as one the leading showcases of genre cinema. In its 25-year history, Midnight Madness has introduced adventurous late-night moviegoers to such cult faves as Richard Linklater’s Dazed and Confused and Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs. But what separates Midnight Madness from, say, Montreal’s three and half week long genre festival Fantasia, is that Tiff selects only ten films to make the cut. In other words, these programmers don’t mess around. Last week I decided that I would post reviews of my personal favourite films that screened in past years. And just like the Tiff programmers,...

Spartacus: War of the Damned, “Victory”

Written by Steven S. DeKnight

Directed by Rick Jacobson

Originally aired April 12, 2013

When Spartacus finished its run earlier this year, it was to relatively muted fanfare (“Victory” pulled in only 1.42 million viewers). For Starz, that’s a great number – but considering how good Spartacus was as a TV series alongside the popularity of its premium cable counterparts like Game of Thrones, that number is meager. Meager, too, was the critical reception Steven S. DeKnight’s masterpiece received, with most critics writing it off as over-stylized, violent and glorified porn after the first few episodes of its debut season, Blood and Sand. Did Spartacus come out swinging from the beginning with quality episode after quality episode? Not really. But it only took a few episodes for it to know what it wanted to be, and it was able to take that and run with it...

Stars: Don”The Dragon” Wilson, Matthias Hues, Deidre Imershein, Alan Blumenfold | Written by Paul Maslak, Charles Philip Moore | Directed by Charles Philip Moore, Rick Jacobson | Produced by Roger Corman

Beautiful rock star Shanna (Imershein) is seeking protection from a psychotic killer (Hues) with a mother fixation and a penchant for brutality, as well as from her own corrupt, mobster of a business manager. Reluctantly, she hires ex-cop and karate instructor Jack Dillon (Wilson), who finds himself stuck in the middle of a deadly, two-pronged assault from Shanna’s tormentors.

Ok, lets get this out of the way first. Whilst he has his detractors (and plenty of haters), I’m a huge fan of Don “The Dragon” Wilson and his movies. InBlackbelt, Wilson plays his typical uber-invincible self,this time out as an ex-cop turned martial arts teacher turned body guard. Whilst Wilson gives his usual one-not performance (basically he’s...

Don't read unless you've seen "Victory," the series finale of "Spartacus."

When I try to convey to people who don't watch "Spartacus" why I love the Starz show so much, it comes down to trying to communicate this idea: it makes me feel taken care of.

During every episode, whether all the elements fully work or not, I feel that those making the show are trying their best to entertain me, to move me, to make me care and to even make me think a little. No matter how many bare asses we see, nothing about this show feels half-assed.

I watch a lot of TV, and not much of it is as carefully thought out and painstakingly crafted as this show. And yet, "Spartacus" is cathartic, entertainingly melodramatic and funny as well. For three years now, it's consistently delivered a mixture of escapism, adventure and dramatic ambition that more...

[Spoiler Alert: Read on only if you have already watched Friday’s series finale of Spartacus: War of the Damned.]

Would he live or die? That was the question heading into the series finale of Spartacus tonight. While history tells us the titular hero and his rebel forces were defeated by the might of Rome, some historians have claimed Spartacus’ body was never actually found, lending a glimmer of hope that the gladiator slave turned rebellion leader (originally played by the late Andy Whitfield and then by Liam McIntyre) might actually make it out of the series alive.

Those hopes were dashed when Spartacus, on the verge of killing Marcus Crassus, was speared by a solider from behind. After being carried off by Agron,...

"...the campaign for freedom reaches a bitter end..."

Sneak Peek new spoiler images and footage from "Victory", the Season Finale of Starz' ultra-violent 'gladiator' drama series "Spartacus: War of the Damned", directed by Rick Jacobson, airing April 12, 2013:

"...even though outnumbered, 'Spartacus' and his rebel army make one last effort to win freedom and one last decisive battle against the 'Romans' commanded by 'Marcus Crassus'..."

Cast of "Victory" includes Liam McIntyre as 'Spartacus', Manu Bennett as 'Crixus', Dustin Clare as 'Gannicus', Cynthia Addai-Robinson as 'Naevia', Daniel Feuerriegel as 'Agron' and Todd Lasance as 'Caesar'.

Also starring are Simon Merrells as 'Crassus', Ellen Hollman as 'Saxa', Pana Hema Taylor as 'Nasir', Anna Hutchison as 'Laeta', Jenna Lind as 'Kore', Barry Duffield as 'Lugo', Luna Rioumina as 'Belesa' and Gwendoline Taylor as 'Sibyl'.

Starz is also planning to spin-off  "Spartacus" with another ultra-violent swords 'n sandals series focusing on Roman general, Emperor 'Caesar' starring Todd Lasance.

"...the campaign for freedom reaches a bitter end..."

Sneak Peek more promo footage from "Victory", the series finale of "Spartacus: War of the Damned", directed by Rick Jacobson, airing April 12, 2013:

"...even though outnumbered, 'Spartacus' and his rebel army make one last effort to win freedom in a decisive battle against the 'Romans' commanded by 'Marcus Crassus'..."

Cast of "Victory" includes Liam McIntyre as 'Spartacus', Manu Bennett as 'Crixus', Dustin Clare as 'Gannicus', Cynthia Addai-Robinson as 'Naevia', Daniel Feuerriegel as 'Agron' and Todd Lasance as 'Caesar'.

Also starring are Simon Merrells as 'Crassus', Ellen Hollman as 'Saxa', Pana Hema Taylor as 'Nasir', Anna Hutchison as 'Laeta', Jenna Lind as 'Kore', Barry Duffield as 'Lugo', Luna Rioumina as 'Belesa' and Gwendoline Taylor as 'Sibyl'.

According to January 2013 reports, Starz is planning to spin-off  "Spartacus" with another ultra-violent swords 'n sandals series focusing on Roman general, Emperor 'Caesar' starring Todd Lasance.

The historical 'Gaius Julius Caesar',...

"Victory", written by Steven S. DeKnight and directed by Rick Jacobson, is the tenth and final episode of "Spartacus: War of the Damned", the 39th episode of the three-Season "Spartacus" series overall and the finale of Starz "Spartacus" saga, airing April 12, 2013:

Cast of "Victory" includes Liam McIntyre as 'Spartacus', Manu Bennett as 'Crixus', Dustin Clare as 'Gannicus', Cynthia Addai-Robinson as 'Naevia', Daniel Feuerriegelas 'Agron' and Todd Lasance as 'Caesar'.

Also starring are Simon Merrells as 'Crassus', Ellen Hollman as 'Saxa', Pana Hema Tayloras 'Nasir', Anna Hutchison as 'Laeta', Jenna Lind as 'Kore', Barry Duffieldas 'Lugo', Luna Rioumina as 'Belesa' and Gwendoline Taylor as 'Sibyl'.

According to January 2013 reports, Starz is planning to spin-off  "Spartacus" with a new ultra-violent swords 'n sandals series focusing on Roman general, Emperor 'Caesar' starring Todd Lasance.

The historical 'Gaius Julius Caesar', was a solider, statesman and distinguished writer of Latin prose, who played...