The first trailer for the mini-series prequel to Starz’s hit show, Spartacus: Blood and Sand, has been released online.

The six-episode prequel, titled Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, was announced after series star Andy Whitfield was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, delaying production on season 2 of the show. Sadly, Whitfield has faced setbacks in his fight, and recently it was announced that the lead role would be re-cast. Starz has now narrowed their search down to just a few names, and we should get an announcement on who will be stepping into the role and when production on season 2 will begin in the near future.

Now you can see a trailer for Gods of the Arena by clicking over to the other side, which is accompanied by a lengthy synopsis. The prequel debuts on January 21 at 10pm EST on Starz.

SYNOPSIS

Before Spartacus struck down his first opponent in the arena, there were many gladiators who passed through the gates onto the sand. “Spartacus: Gods of the Arena,” tells the story of the original Champion of the House of Batiatus: Gannicus (Dustin Clare) in a more ruthless time before Spartacus’ arrival where honor was just finding it’s way into the arena.

The new series adds to the cast Jaime Murray as Capua’s sexy social climber Gaia and Marisa Ramirez as Melitta, a beautiful slave who must face the ultimate decision of the heart. Jeffrey Thomas plays Batiatus’s father Titus, the traditional and cautious Lanista, head of the Ludus. They join returning cast members John Hannah (Quintus Batiatus), Lucy Lawless (Lucretia), Peter Mensah (Oenomaus, before he becomes Doctore, the gladiator trainer) and Manu Bennett (Crixus).

As the prequel begins, Quintus Batiatus is the acting Lanista while his father Titus is on an extended visit to Sicilia. But Batiatus isn’t satisfied with just the thought of taking over the Ludus one day; he aspires to political power and prestige in Capua, and perhaps beyond.In the class-conscious world of ancient Rome, the House of Batiatus must first earn the respect of both politicians and socialites before being granted the right for its gladiators to fight in the much-revered championship bouts called the Primus. Batiatus must not only survive the harsh politics of Capua, but also compel his hedonistic fighter, Gannicus, to embrace being a champion gladiator who will bring esteem and respect to the House of Batiatus.

“Spartacus: Gods of the Arena” is produced by Rob Tapert, Sam Raimi, Joshua Donen and Steven S. DeKnight. Season one of “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” was the highest rated show for the 18-49 demographic among all cable networks for 12 of the 13 Fridays on which it aired based on coverage rating.

Trailer