Spartacus: House of Ashur is set to make its debut on Starz in late 2025. This mini-series is a fresh take on the Spartacus universe, bringing back fan-favorite Ashur, played by Nick E. Tarabay, in an alternate timeline where he survives Mount Vesuvius. With high expectations from longtime fans, this upcoming 10-episode drama blends action, intrigue, and a new Roman power struggle—all set against a backdrop that looks like ancient Rome but was actually filmed much farther away.
In this article, NetFilming explores the real-world filming locations used in Spartacus: House of Ashur, offering insights into how New Zealand’s landscapes once again helped recreate the world of gladiators and power.
Where was Spartacus: House of Ashur filmed?
According to Starz, the series was filmed in New Zealand, specifically in and around Auckland. Just like the original Spartacus series that aired from 2010 to 2013, the creators returned to the same country to film this new chapter.
Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand, served as the production’s main filming hub. With modern facilities and access to skilled crews, Auckland has become a reliable destination for high-budget television productions. The city is home to advanced filming infrastructure, including:
- Kumeu Film Studios
- Auckland Film Studios
These studios allowed the team to create large-scale Roman-style sets such as villas, gladiator pits, and combat arenas. In addition to studio filming, several nearby natural locations were likely used for dramatic outdoor sequences.
Trivia: Auckland has hosted several international productions, including The Chronicles of Narnia, Xena: Warrior Princess and the original Spartacus series, making it one of the most trusted locations for historical and fantasy content.
Waitakere Ranges
Located west of Auckland, the Waitakere Ranges provide lush, forested terrain with rugged trails and waterfalls—ideal for battle scenes or escapes through dense wilderness. This location adds a raw, untamed atmosphere to scenes set outside Roman civilization.
Trivia: These ranges were also used for scenes in The Shannara Chronicles and Legend of the Seeker, two fantasy series that required rich, natural backdrops.
Piha Beach
Piha Beach, known for its black sand and towering cliffs, offers a dramatic coastal setting. Scenes that involve ocean-side action or transitions near Roman ports may have been shot here to give an epic scale to the series.
Trivia: Piha Beach has appeared in films like Tracker and has long been a favorite of local and international filmmakers due to its moody, cinematic appearance.
Why Was New Zealand Chosen?
New Zealand continues to be a top choice for fantasy and historical productions for several reasons:
- Access to professional-grade studios and sound stages
- Experienced crews familiar with epic and stylized storytelling
- Diverse landscapes that can mimic both Mediterranean and mythical settings
- Government incentives for international productions
The country offers both the technical capability and visual variety to deliver a series like Spartacus: House of Ashur with high production value and realism.
Production Timeline
Here’s a quick look at the key dates in the making of Spartacus: House of Ashur:
| Phase | Date/Duration |
|---|---|
| Series Announcement | November 9, 2023 |
| Main Cast Revealed | July 2024 |
| Filming Start Date | July 11, 2024 |
| Filming End Date | October 22, 2024 |
| Post-Production Begins | November 2024 |
| Expected Release Window | Late 2025 (Fall–Winter) |
Spartacus: House of Ashur Behind The Scenes
Filming in Auckland, New Zealand, the production team transformed modern studios into ancient Rome’s gritty gladiator world. From building massive Roman-inspired sets to coordinating brutal gladiator fight choreography, the production spared no detail in delivering a fresh yet familiar experience.
The creative team, led by returning showrunner Steven S. DeKnight, wanted to push the boundaries of storytelling while staying true to the legacy of the franchise.
In an official statement, DeKnight shared:
“We’re diving deeper into Ashur’s cunning mind, building a story that’s both brutal and captivating” (STARZ press release, 2024).
The crew used Auckland Film Studios to craft detailed sets, from blood-soaked arenas to lavish villas, while outdoor shoots at places like Piha Beach added raw intensity.
Actor Nick E. Tarabay, who reprises his role as Ashur, added:
“It’s been an incredible journey. This version of Ashur is even more dangerous and cunning. I can’t wait for fans to see what he’s become.”
The production used cutting-edge stunt coordination and updated set designs to reflect Ashur’s rise to power while still honoring the blood-soaked style the series is known for.
Spartacus: House of Ashur Official Trailer
Stay tuned to NetFilming for more updates on upcoming TV series and filming location insights.
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