Go read any article about the new Spartacus series, House of Ashur, and you’re sure to find someone in the comments complaining that the show has gone “woke” for featuring a female gladiator, otherwise known as a gladiatrix. It’s been an issue since the spinoff was first announced, and one that only grew once the trailer was released a few weeks ago, and people got their first glimpse of her in action. Now, the woman behind Spartacus‘ newest hero, Tenika Daivs, is addressing those criticisms head on.
Davis plays Achillia in Spartacus: House of Ashur, which takes a “What If” approach to things by imagining a world where Ashur (Nick E. Tarabay) never died, but instead was the one to kill Spartacus. He’s rewarded with his very own ludus, which just so happens to be the same one that Batiatus was in control of many moons ago. As such, Ashur looks for a new champion to show off in the arena, because what’s a ludus without its champion? Enter Achillia, a complicated and fierce woman who’s played to perfection by Davis.
Speaking with MovieWeb to promote House of Ashur, Davis was asked what she thought of all the commotion online surrounding the new series. She admitted that she usually doesn’t pay attention to what’s happening on social media, but couldn’t help make an exception in this case:
“You know what, I always tell myself that I will not go online, but I did. It was one of those moments where I was like, ‘I’m just too curious,’ and I got this childlike sense that’s like, ‘Just look.'”
Upon reading all the negative comments criticizing Spartacus: House of Ashur for being nothing more than “woke garbage” from those who have yet to see a single episode, Davis’ reaction wasn’t what you might think it to be. Instead of feeling angry or hurt, she drew parallels between what people are saying and feeling in the real world, to what the characters in the series are going through. It’s that reason, Davis said, that makes House of Ashur more relatable to the haters… they just don’t know it yet:
“I looked, and I saw some of the comments, and literally the way that I felt was, ‘Wow, it’s important for people to comment. It’s important for them to have a visceral reaction. It’s important for them to express the fact that they don’t want this character.’ Because that’s exactly how the Romans felt in this world and in society, which means they’re already clued into the story that we’re telling.
“So all of those reactions are valid and warranted, because those are the same things that the characters and the people in this world are feeling. So, they’re already on board for the story, and they don’t even know it yet.”
‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’ Is Already Proving People Wrong
As fans await the two-episode premiere of Spartacus: House on Ashur in just two short weeks, the series is already proving the naysayers wrong thanks to a special sneak peek screening that was recently held in Los Angeles. Reactions online to the return of the bloodiest and raunchiest TV show in history have been nothing but positive, with one user on X writing:
“First 2 episodes of #Spartacus House of Ashur are f***ing glorious. The spirit of the original series has been recaptured. Epic dialogue, brutal violence, engaging new characters, all while Ashur plots his way to the top. It’s pure entertainment. Can’t wait for more!”
Another wrote that they were “blown away” by the premiere, and that Spartacus fans “are in for a treat” because “the DNA of this incredibly special world is very much alive.” Reactions were much the same over on Instagram, where folks called Spartacus: House of Ashur everything from “unreal” to “so damn good.”
Needless to say, while people might have their misgivings about Spartacus: House of Ashur, it appears that those willing to take a chance on the new series are going to be in for one heck of a fun ride. Look for the first two episodes to premiere on Starz on Dec. 5, 2025.
- Release Date
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December 5, 2025
- Network
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Starz
- Directors
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Rick Jacobson