Starz’s ‘Spartacus’ to End After Next Season

Even though the Starz series Spartacus seemed to rebound after the death of star Andy Whitfield, for us at least it was never really the same. Now word comes from Starz and the show’s creative team that the upcoming third season of Spartacus, which will be titled War of the Damned, will be the last.

“It was an extremely difficult and emotional decision for my partners and I,” series creator/executive producer Steven S. DeKnight said. “Yet, in the end, the story was best served by rolling all of the remaining action and drama of Spartacus’ journey into one stunningly epic season that will be extremely satisfying for everyone who’s been along for the ride.”

“Spartacus is a landmark series for the network which has enthralled millions of viewers and fans around the world,” Starz CEO Chris Albrecht said. “We are in agreement with our partners in the decision to conclude the story after War of the Damned, as we believe it is the best way to maintain the integrity of the series and secure its legacy.”

War of the Damned is now in production in New Zealand and takes place after the events of season two and the defeat of Roman commander Gaius Claudius Glaber. It features returning cast members McIntyre (Spartacus), Manu Bennett (Crixus), Dustin Clare (Gannicus), Dan Feuerriegel (Agron), Cynthia Addai-Robinson (Naevia) and Ellen Hollman (Saxa). New additions to the cast include Todd Lasance as Gaius Julius Caesar, Simon Merrells as Marcus Crassus and Anna Hutchison as Laeta.

As we reported previously, Starz will also be airing all episodes of the show in order starting on June 8. This will be a good way to get familiar with the show or catch up on the story before the third and final season launches in January 2013.