STARZ'S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED DRAMA "SPARTACUS: HOUSE OF ASHUR" FILLS THE ARENA ANNOUNCING ADDITIONAL CAST

New Cast Members Join Nick Tarabay, Graham McTavish, Tenika Davis and More

Santa Monica, Calif. - September 23, 2024 - STARZ has announced additional casting for its epic new series "Spartacus: House of Ashur." Entering the arena are Dan Hamill ("Love Child," "House Husbands") as "Celadus," Andrew McFarlane ("The Newsreader," "The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart") as "Gabinius," Jackson Gallagher ("Glitch," "Playing for Keeps") as "Caesar," Jaime Slater (Pacific Rim Uprising, Daredevil) as "Cornelia," Simon Arblaster ("Shortland Street," A Love Yard), as "Proculus," Arlo Gibson ("The Sounds," Nude Tuesday) as "Opiter," Cameron Rhodes (Housebound, Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring) as "Uvidus," Evander Brown ("The Dead Lands," We Are Still Here) as "Ephesius," Graham Vincent (Don't Make Me Go, "My Life is Murder") as "Hedylus," Louis Hunter ("Troy: Fall of a City," "The Fosters") as "Erato," Donald Ross ("My Life is Murder") as "Salvius and Duane Wichman Evans ("Shortland Street," Avatar) as "Dacus." All join in guest star roles. Production on the 10-episode season is underway in New Zealand.

They join previously announced cast members Nick Tarabay ("Asher"), Lucy Lawless ("Lucretia"), Graham McTavish ("Korris"), Tenika Davis ("Achillia"), Jamaica Vaughan ("Hilara"), Ivana Baquero ("Messia"), Jordi Webber ("Tarchon"), Claudia Black ("Cossutia"), India Shaw-Smith ("Viridia") and Leigh Gill ("Satyrus").

"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, played by fan favorite 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?

"Spartacus: Blood and Sand" debuted on STARZ in 2010 and was followed by a prequel series chapter "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena" in 2011 and two additional series "Spartacus: Vengeance" in 2012 and "Spartacus: War of the Damned" in 2013. "Spartacus" creator, writer and executive producer Steven S. DeKnight ("Daredevil") serves as showrunner and executive producer. "Spartacus: House of Ashur" is produced by Lionsgate Television for STARZ.

Cast Bios and Headshots:

Dan Hamill

"Celadus" (KEL uh dus)

Hailed by the Australian media as charming, articulate, a little bit cheeky and full of heart, Dan Hamill is well-loved by the Australian public.

Hamill's most notable credits include "Love Child," "House Husbands," "City Homicide," "Neighbours," "Jack Irish," "The Doctor Blake Mysteries," "Hard Rock Medical," and the tele-movie, The Broken Shore.

Having appeared in numerous films, Hamill is particularly proud of his work as lead role "Frankie" in Between Me, a film directed by Kim Farrant which screened at Cannes Film Festival.

Andrew McFarlane

"Gabinius" (GAH bin ee us)

Andrew McFarlane is a much-loved and instantly recognizable face, both on stage and screen.

A NIDA graduate, he has starred in many of Australia's most successful TV dramas including "The Sullivans," 'Patrol Boat," and "The Flying Doctors," and has been a regular presenter on "Playschool." Other TV credits include: "The Alice," "Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities," "Secret City," "Miss Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries," "Riot," "Glitch," "Seven Types of Ambiguity," "Newton's Law," "The Code," "Cleverman," "A Place to Call Home," "Janet King," and "Love Child," amongst many others. McFarlane won an ASTRA award for Most Outstanding Performance in Drama and was nominated for an AACTA award for his performance in the TV drama series "Devil's Playground." Most recently he appeared in season three of "The Newsreader" and "The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart."

McFarlane's feature film credits include Truth alongside Robert Redford and Cate Blanchett, Little White Lies, Returning Lily, Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Born to Run and Break of Day.

McFarlane has also appeared in numerous main stage productions around Australia, playing diverse roles ranging from Shakespearian tragedy to Williamson satire. Theatre credits include "Hubris & Humiliation," for which he was awarded the 2023 Sydney Theatre Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Mainstage Production; "Mary Stuart," "Cyrano de Bergerac," "Woman in Mind," "The Normal Heart," "The Heretic," "Gulliver's Travels," "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" "A Month in the Country," "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "The Seagull," "Arcadia," "Family Values," "Dreams in White," "Love Letters," "Let the Sunshine," "Nothing Personal," and most recently the national tour of Coleen McCullough's "Tim."

Jackson Gallagher

"Caesar" (SEEZ ur)

Jackson Gallagher is an Australian actor, photographer and director. The past decade has seen him chameleon from a lead role in ratings hit "Playing For Keeps," appear on the Logie Award winning series "Glitch," and the long-running "Wentworth."

Gallagher's entry into the acting world began via his talent in competitive equestrian when he was hired as a stunt rider on the Canadian/Australian co-production "The Saddle Club" as a teen. Plucked quickly for his natural acting ability, a role was written for him which catapulted Gallagher to undertake acting training at world renowned Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York.

Gallagher's international film career began with the titular role in the film Patrick which premiered at the 2013 Melbourne International Film Festival and later took on the lead in sci-fi thriller 2099: The Soldier Protocol. In 2021, he played "Detective Rubeun Knox" in The Girl at The Window and in 2023 played "Chris" in May Melbourne.

Gallagher has grown up as a regular fixture on Australian television screens with a three-year lead role on Australia's longest running drama, "Home and Away." Other TV work includes recurring roles on "Neighbours," "Please Like Me," "Dr. Blake Murder Mysteries," "Back In Very Small Business," "Surviving Summer," "NCIS Australia" and season two of the US production "Almost Paradise."

Gallagher has not only carved out a career in front of the camera, but behind it as well with his work as an award-winning photographer and director. His short documentary Ben's Filming The Movie was included as a finalist and awarded 'Best Editing' in the world's biggest short film festival Tropfest. He is a regular contributor for The Guardian, has published features in International fashion magazines GQ and The Face and hosted his own photography exhibitions in both New York and London. Gallagher's work as a photojournalist has taken him across the globe capturing human stories for various NGOs.

Gallagher is represented by Linsten Management, Lou Coulson Associates, PCM Intl Inc.

Jaime Slater

"Cornelia" (core kneel e uh)

Whether it's overseeing massive robots battling giant monsters, going toe-to-toe with the Kingpin of Crime, or mourning the loss of her superhero husband, Jaime Slater has run the emotional gamut in film and television. As "Captain McKinney," she assisted John Boyega, Scott Eastwood, and Cailee Spaeny in saving the world against the Kaiju threat in Pacific Rim Uprising, the sequel to Guillermo del Toro's international hit film. On television, Slater stood her ground against Vincent D'Onofrio's villainous "Wilson Fisk" on "Daredevil" as "Nurse Schwab," and as grieving widow "Karen Bishop," she confronted the son of Josh Duhamel's superhero "Utopian" about the untimely death of her husband on "Jupiter's Legacy."

Born and raised in Troy, Michigan, Slater graduated from the University of Georgia with a B.A. in theater arts. From there she ventured off to New York City, where she further honed her craft at the Atlantic Acting School. She continued to sharpen her skills on such storied soap operas as "Guiding Light" and "One Life to Live." Slater is now splitting her time between Los Angeles and Auckland, New Zealand.

Simon Arblaster

"Proculus" (PROCK ew lus)

A grounded, measured actor with an affable screen presence, Simon Arblaster recently spent a brief stint in Canada where he was in hot demand, appearing in a string of television series and films, among them "Invasion," "Tracker Reginald the Vampire," "Ms Match," and "So Help Me Todd" with Oscar-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden.

In 2021 he starred as the lead in Hallmark's romantic comedy, A Love Yarn, and earlier in beloved New Zealand series "Westside," "Head High," and "Shortland Street," as well as US shows "Once Upon a Time," "Cowboy Bebop" and "Almost Paradise."

Arblaster is represented in the North American market by Lucas Talent.

Arlo Gibson

"Opiter" (AW pih ter)

Arlo Gibson is one of Aotearoa's most sought after rising stars across theatre, film and television. He launched his career with back to back roles on "Step Dave" and "Shortland Street" in 2013 and has moved from strength to strength ever since. In 2023, he was nominated for Best Actor at the Wellington theatre awards for his portrayal of "Tom" in Gary Henderson's "Skin Tight" and "Just Kidding, I actually love you" was awarded the People's Choice Award at the internationally accredited Show Me Shorts Film Festival. His talents for improvisation and devising have made him a staple of some of New Zealand's finest modern TV comedies and immersive theatre works.

His diverse acting credits span a range of productions including the cult classic Nude Tuesday, Don't Make Me Go, "Educators," "The Sounds," "Last at 11" and "Only in Aotearoa." His theatrical credits cite collaboration and co-creation with an impressive roster of Aotearoa's leading voices within the medium.

Cameron Rhodes

"Uvidus" (U vee dus)

Cameron Rhodes' film credits include The Paragon, The Royal Treatment, Dead, Penny Black and Housebound, among others. On television, Rhodes can be seen in "Total Control 3," "The Gone," season two of "Under the Vines," "Dark City," season seven of "Brokenwood Mysteries," season two of "Mystic," "Giving up the Ghost," and "Centrepoint," among others. Recent theatre credits include "King Lear," "North by Northwest," "The Life of Galileo," and "Black Lover."

Evander Brown

"Ephesius" (ee FEE see us)

Evander Brown's versatility, energy and charm were first fully showcased when he was selected at age 21 for one of the coveted presenter roles on New Zealand's legendary children's show "What Now." The producers were struck by his connection with children, his "authenticity" and "beautiful engagement with the camera". It was quite a leap from the part he was playing at the time of a mythical Maori warrior in "The Dead Lands."

His next encounter with New Zealand television legends was being invited to join an amazing selection of New Zealanders reading night-time stories hosted by TVNZ's Goodnight Kiwi and Cat. Evander read the award-winning story 'The Bomb' in both English and Te Reo Māori.

In 2021, he starred in local drama "Vegas," "a tale involving debts, drugs, gangs and two disparate brothers"; followed by appearances in the Māori bilingual web series "Ahikāroa," the anthology series "Beyond The Veil" and on the film festival circuit in We Are Still Here.

Describing himself as an actor, presenter, influencer, dancer, singer/songwriter, martial artist and movement enthusiast, Whangarei born Brown has his eyes on a big-screen career. He looks set to continue growing his appeal and professional scope - and pursuing his personal mission to inspire the next generation by demonstrating that anything is possible.

Graham Vincent

"Hedylus" (head UH lus)

British-Caribbean artist Graham Vincent holds a unique place in the New Zealand film industry as a talented actor and sought after stunt performer. He is quickly becoming known in the industry for his versatility portraying grounded, playful, and authoritative characters.

His numerous international screen credits include The Tank, Don't Make Me Go, Avatar, Guns Akimbo with Daniel Radcliffe, "Cowboy Bebop," and "Wentworth" season eight. He also keeps busy in New Zealand television, recently playing "Said Ayari" in "Shortland Street," and "Alistair King" in season two of "My Life is Murder" with New Zealand icon Lucy Lawless.

Vincent is also an experienced stunt performer. He enjoys sports such as athletics, basketball, boxing, soccer, volleyball, and weightlifting. He also plays the saxophone.

Louis Hunter

"Erato" (er AH toe)

Louis Hunter's international acting career spans both stage and screen. He is best known for his leading role as "Paris" in the miniseries, "Troy: Fall of a City" and the lead role of "Lachlan O'Leary" in "On The Ropes," directed by Shannon Murphy.

Hunter made his professional stage debut with Sydney Theatre Company in the role of "Prince Edward" in "War of the Roses," opposite Cate Blanchett. He followed this in the role of "Mercutio" in "Romeo & Juliet" for the International Shakespeare Youth Festival.

Hunter made his US screen debut as "Nick Armstrong," a lead role in "Secret Circle," executive produced by Kevin Williamson. Hunter went on to guest star in "Red Band Society," opposite Octavia Spencer, before joining "The Fosters" in the recurring role of "Nick Stratos," executive produced by Jennifer Lopez. Hunter's Australian television roles include: the role of "Kyle Mulroney," a series lead in the drama series "Out of the Blue," as well as the lead voice of the character "Sevenpoints" in the animated TV series "The Woodlies."

Hunter's feature film credits include: the lead role of "J.D." in The Honor Farm, directed by Karen Skloss, the role of "Duncan" in Jack Goes Home, opposite Rory Culkin, directed by Thomas Dekker and in the role of "Ryan" in Killing Animals, executive produced by James Franco.

Donald Ross

"Salvius" (sal VEE us)

Donald Ross is a Papua New Guinea born, New Zealand raised actor, model and DJ. He is best known for "My Life is Murder."

Ross's creative outlet is through music and DJing, but also loves creating comedy content for Instagram and Tiktok, you can find some of his sketches at @donaldross_

In his spare time he loves to write, play tennis, workout and frequents comedy clubs as he loves a good ol' cackle.

Duane Wichman Evans

"Dacus" (DAY kus)

Duane Wichman Evans has been acting since he was three years old. He is best known in New Zealand for his role on the drama series "Shortland Street," where he was a fan-favorite four years running as "Michael Hampton Rees."

After leaving "Shortland Street," he spent nine months living and working in the U.S. playing "Rotxo" in the James Cameron directed feature films Avatar 2, 3 & 4, releasing 2022, 2024 & 2026 respectively. He acquired new skills including working underwater, green screen and stunts and receiving positive feedback from director and crew for his 'can do Kiwi Kid' attitude.

Other screen highlights include roles in the award-winning short film Ebony Society, feature films Fantail, Billy and The Legend of Baron To'a. Series include "Power Rangers: Ninja Steel," "The New Legends of Monkey," "Duckrockers" and the apocalyptic series "Sweet Tooth."

Wichman Evans speaks fluent Te Reo Māori and has a long history of competing in Kapa Haka competitions and performing on stage.

About STARZ

STARZ (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company, is a leading media streaming platform committed to delivering premium content that amplifies narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences. STARZ is home to the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app that offers the ability to stream or download STARZ premium content, as well as the flagship domestic STARZ(R) service, including STARZ ENCORE, 17 premium pay TV channels, and the associated on-demand and online services. STARZ is available across digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies. In February 2021, STARZ launched #TakeTheLead, a multi-faceted and innovative inclusion initiative expanding its existing efforts to improve representation on screen, behind the camera and throughout the company.

About Lionsgate Studios

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