The cast includes diverse actors portraying slaves and gladiators from various regions, such as Cynthia Addai-Robinson as Naevia and Manu Bennett as Crixus, which aligns organically with the multi-ethnic rebel army rather than forced DEI mandates. A prominent gay relationship between Agron and Nasir provides emotional depth amid the hyper-sexualized world but avoids lectures or identity politics, serving the story's themes of loyalty and brotherhood. Female characters like Naevia, Saxa, and Laeta wield swords and agency as fierce warriors, enhancing the spectacle without feminist preaching or subverting traditional roles.

Themes center on rebellion, revenge, and freedom against Roman tyranny in a straightforward, apolitical manner, free from modern systemic critiques or social justice messaging. Creator Steven S. DeKnight emphasized storytelling, battles, and historical drama in interviews, with no activist intent. Reception focused on pacing issues and soap-opera elements, not ideological intrusions, allowing the season to deliver thrilling, unpretentious entertainment.