We're headed back to the arena, everyone! Grab your sandals and swords! Starz just announced that they are currently working on a new series called "Spartacus." Excuse the exclamation marks, but I loved every moment of this show, even the prequel "Spartacus Gods of the Arena." (Full disclosure. I am friends with many of the cast members and moderated a panel at San Diego Comic-Con for the series, but I fell in LOVE with the show before that.

The series' first season was called "Spartacus: Blood and Sand", and it debuted in 2010. The prequel was created to allow Andy Whitfield to recuperate from early-stage nonHodgkin lymphoma. He died tragically. The role was recast by Liam McIntyre in season 2 ("Spartacus: Vengeance") and season 3 ("Spartacus: War of the Damned").

It was very sexually explicit, as the title suggests. It was a captivating drama about the Thracian gladiator, who led a rebellion of enslaved citizens against the Roman empire.

According to the official press release the series will "explore new territory and take the characters of the original series on a new journey." Steven S. DeKnight, writer, creator and executive producer ("Daredevil," Pacific Rim: Uprising"), will serve as showrunner/executive producer.

Spartacus, I am!

Although Spartacus was killed in the finale, the characters were still alive at the conclusion of the third season. These events will be the basis for the new series. The official synopsis of the new series is here:

The drama will be set in the aftermath of Spartacus' defeat and the rebel army. It will tell a story of treachery and deceit that unfolds under the shadow of Rome.

Kathryn Busby is the President of Original Programming at Starz. She stated in a statement that "Spartacus" has not been seen by international audiences for over a decade and that Starz is thrilled to reimagine this thrilling, action-packed drama and bring it back to life for their viewers. She said, "Spartacus has deeply invested fans who are eager to see it return, and we look forwards to working with Steven [DeKnight] in this exciting next chapter."

I agree as one of the most invested fans. DeKnight stated that it was an honor to be invited back to the world of Spartacus', and that STARZ and Lionsgate provided unbridled creative support. We are creating something truly original and extraordinary for the next chapter of this epic story together."

Lionsgate Television will produce the new series. Karen Bailey, Executive Vice President, Original Programming and Alex Alberts as Directors of Original Programming are set to supervise production for Starz. Lionsgate Television will have Scott Herbst, Executive Vice President and Head of Scripted Development, and Jocelyn Sabo as Senior Vice President of Scripted Development.

It seems like the right time to rewatch the original series.

The first Film article was The Sexy Spartacus Show Returns To Starz With a 'New Chapter' From Steven DeKnight.