Fans of the breakout series Spartacus: Blood and Sand will be delighted to know that the show will have its second season come fall of 2011. However, the lead role will no longer be given to actor Andy Whitfield.
Whitfield was diagnosed with early-stage non-Hodgkin lymphoma last March 2010. He went to treatment and was declared with a clean bill of health by June. The hopes of shooting for the second season were dashed however when the cancer returned September. Due to this event, the production for the second season was delayed putting into question as to whether the series will go back to the small tube or not.
Starz network is said to be currently trimming down the list of actors who will replace Whitfield. Network President Chris Albrecht said, “We’re very confident where we are in the casting process of finding a lead actor to step into Spartacus’ sandals, though we will never be able to truly replace Andy Whitfield.”
I truly feel bad for Whitfield. Here he lands, and OWNS this breakout, intensely popular role, only to contract a disease that could end his life, let alone his career. Very unfortunate. Quite sad. I hope he makes it. And by the way, I can't imagine anyone else inhabiting that role the way he did. Those are HUGE sandals to fill.
Oh ya, I'm truly bad. I left out the last paragraph of that article. Here you go ...A six episode prequel series entitled Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, which was shot while Whitfield was undergoing the initial treatment, will be shown for the meantime while waiting for season 2. Gods of Arena will start January 21.
Check your calenders kiddies, that was last night! Apparently they shot this prequel in the knowledge that they wanted to satisfy fan thirst given there was clearly going to be a delay of Season 2.
And good news, I just checked. The first episode is in the Netflix instant queue, they'll all be there as they air on Starz each Friday night in fact (same as the original series). Here's what the plot is (no spoilers, don't worry; and by the way, it's the same actors playing Batiatus, Lucretia, etc).
The House of Batiatus is on the rise, basking in the glow of its infamous champion Gannicus, whose skill with a sword is matched only by his thirst for wine and women. These are the times a young Batiatus has been waiting for. Poised to overthrow his father and take control, he’ll freely betray anyone to ensure his gladiators are in the highest demand. And he’ll have his loyal and calculating wife Lucretia by his side for every underhanded scheme, drawing on the brazen talents of her seductive friend Gaia when it counts. Together, they will stop at nothing to deceive the masses, seize power, and bleed Capua dry in this audacious prequel to “Spartacus: Blood and Sand.” (Source: Starz/Spartacus)
Well? What are you waiting for? GO WATCH !!!!
(Ryan comes through again with the series we just have to see ... hehehe)
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