In the “telescoper” on Sunday, the clue was, roughly, “Writer/Director of Spartacus (2004)”.
Judging by the answer, I think they meant “Spartan”.
I’ve thought the editors messed up before and I’m always wrong. I think I got 'em this time, though.
You are correct, sir. The mistake was acknowledged by the crossword editor on the NYT crossword forum online and I assume it will be noted in the paper itself if it hasn’t been already.