@ Starz
This just in, from EW’s James Hibberd.
Starz is about to announce that the next, third season of its acclaimed “Spartacus” series will be its last.
But, at least, creator Steven DeKnight promises a spectacular finish.
“This season is bigger than anything we’ve attempted,” DeKnight says. “The scope and scale is just amazing. We’re dealing with massive battles between thousands of people. We hope to leave people feel satisfied.”
For DeKnight, it was clear for 90% for a while that the next season, titled “War of the Damed” and launching in January 2013, would be the final chapter in the saga. And based on the historical background, a shorter series was always more likely than a long run.
“Looking at the story in the history books, it’s wave after wave of Roman senators going after Spartacus who are defeated until [Roman general Marcus Crassus] comes in,” DeKnight says. “So let’s pick out the most interesting moments in this struggle and lay out a clear narrative for Spartacus and his rebellion. I wanted to lay out a strong forward narrative with a strong antagonist.”
“This show has always been a challenge,” DeKnight continues, referring to the tragedy that struck the show with the death of lead actor Andy Whitfield after season one. “I’m particularly thankful to Starz. Any other network, if the show’s lead actor had fallen ill and eventually passed away, they would have canceled the show. Starz felt like we owed it to the audience and to Andy to finish the tale.”
For more info and quotes from DeKnight, hit the link to the original article.
