Spartacus changed the television landscape when it premiered in 2010.
The raunchy and violent drama series about ancient Rome set the bar for gladiator shows, and recent additions like Those About to Die have been compared to it.
Even more important to us, the show was shamelessly gay. Agron (Daniel Feuerriegel) and Nasir (Pana Hema-Taylor) remain one of the most iconic couples ever, thanks to the show’s portrayal of their relationship.
They were treated like every other couple, which was quite refreshing at the time. Spartacus’ queer legacy goes beyond Agron and Nasir, with queerness being a part of the show for its entire run.
A new chapter unfolds in the new spinoff Spartacus: House of Ashur, as one of the show’s most prominent villains is brought back to life for an alternative path his life would have taken. On this path, Ashur (Nick E. Tarabay) killed Spartacus and took over the House of Batiatus.
The new series premiered with the first two episodes on December 5, 2025, and we’re happy to report that it’s as gay as one would have expected.
There may be multiple queer characters in the show, but the biggest is Korris, played by Graham McTavish.
Korris commands the Ludus of the House of Batiatus as a Doctore whose authority is carved in scars and steel.
He stands at the center of this narrative, a figure as brutal as he is intriguing.
Enter the Doctore
Photo: Matt Klitscher/StarzThis is where the series sharpens its queer edge.
Korris is a retired gladiator and a former slave. He won his freedom in the arena after beating all his opponents and has the battle scars to show for it.
Much about his past life is unknown, but given that he was formerly enslaved, there is no life outside his Dominus’ Ludus.
The games have hardened him, and he takes no shit from anyone, gladiator or not.
He has an imposing figure, as accentuated by his rough look with facial hair, deep voice, and a long, sharp whip that keeps the gladiators-in-training in check.
Like many Doctores, he is a bit reticent and mysterious, never one to let his thoughts spill aimlessly.
‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’ Soft Launches Korris’ Queerness
Korris’ sexuality is refreshing because it’s not thrown out there. True to Spartacus’ legacy, queerness isn’t a proclamation. It’s woven seamlessly into the story’s fabric and allowed to simmer like other arcs.
The Doctore’s queerness first shows up in the arena when the reigning champion is introduced, and Korris cannot stop himself from singing the gladiator’s praises.
Ashur retorts that if he likes the man so much, maybe he should get down on his knees and blow the gladiator.
Korris’ response? Fantastic. He claims that it would be an honor to drink the seed of such a specimen of man. Outrageous? Absolutely. But that’s Spartacus-core — unapologetic, raw, and a little unhinged.
The raw desire for the gladiator aside, Korris seems like a romantic.
Photo: Matt Klitscher/StarzHe does not partake in the orgy that lights up the Ludus, instead opting to chat with his new star, Achilia. He claims that the men he desires don’t sell their bodies for coin.
But who does he desire?
In two separate instances, we see Korris and Opiter (Arlo Gibson) eye each other. They share a fleeting glance in the arena, which is prolonged later when they meet in the streets.
Whether it’s a spark or a simmering history, their glances hint at something deeper, and the tension is delicious.
Some potential problems include class, where Roman elites don’t fraternize with commoners, and a Doctor is as common as they come. His glory days are over, and even when they existed, he was enslaved.
It’s a slow burn, but one poised to ignite, and we’re strapped in for the ride
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.