Cable network Starz has announced its intentions to retell the Spartacus story in thirteen episodes. Producers Rob Tapert and Steven S. DeKnight envision a much grittier version than the original film by Stanley Kubrick, this one filled with explicit violence and sexuality. Indications are that the upcoming tv series will be in the same style as 300 or Sin City, and that the filming will be done exclusively with a green screen. Though a lead actor has yet to be chosen, filming should take place this spring and the series should air shortly thereafter.

I am always excited to learn of upcoming films about the Romans or Greeks, but I am less interested in this series because of the producers’ attitude (see first source below). They seem a little too excited about their relative freedom from censorship at Starz, and to me, that means there is going to be A LOT of violence and sex. I don’t mind that some films try to be historically accurate to a point (and sometimes I wander why it necessary to graphically show historical accuracy), but I do mind it when they show tons of explicit violence and sex solely because they can or because of a puerile fascination with it. Of course, the extreme content automatically disqualifies this series from being shown in my classroom (or even recommended).

Also, I am put off by the proposed artistic style of this series. Sure, films like 300 or Sin City look interesting stylistically (I have seen neither of them, though). However, I would think it would be tiresome to watch thirteen episodes in this style. There is something to be said, in my opinion, for movies that prefer to film as naturalistically as possible. Go to Italy and film, guys. Don’t simply reproduce everything on computer, George Lucas-style.

Hopefully, I will keep up to date on future developments.

Sources: http://www.thrfeed.com/2009/01/starz-spartacus-remake-.html and http://ausxip.com/spartacus/

*Update:  The title role will be played by Andy Whitfield. Lucy Lawless (Xena: Warrior Princess) has also signed on as the proprietor of the gladiator school. Source:  comingsoon.net

Andy Whitfield