The future of Starz’s Spartacus series is now in doubt. The show’s lead, Andy Whitfield, has withdrawn from filming the second season.
The first season, Spartacus: Blood and Sand, tells the story of the classic gladiator and stars newcomer Andy Whitfield as the title character. The show also stars Antonio Te Maioha, Craig Parker, Erin Cummings, Lucy Lawless, John Hannah, Manu Bennett, Nick E. Tarabay, and Peter Mensah.
Whitfield was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in March and, after treatment, was declared cancer-free in May. He was training hard to get back into filming and, at Comic-Con, Whitfield said he felt “better than ever.” He’s now been advised by his doctors to resume aggressive treatments immediately.
In a statement, Whitfield said, “It’s with a deep sense of disappointment that I must step aside from such an exceptional project as Spartacus and all the wonderful people involved. It seems that it is time for myself and my family to embark on another extraordinary journey. Thank you sincerely for the support so far.”
Spartacus was renewed for a second season even before the first started airing. Shooting of the second season was postponed so Whitfield could undergo treatment. To fill the absence, Starz ordered a prequel called Spartacus: Gods of the Arena which focuses on co-stars Lawless and Hannah. It tells the tale of the rise of the House of Batiatus before Spartacus’ arrival in Capua.
Whitfield was supposed to return to shoot Spartacus next month. No decisions have yet been made about the future of the series thus far. “Right now, we just want to extend our concern and support to Andy and his family,” said Carmi Zlotnik, managing director, Starz Media. “We will address our programming plans at some later date.”
The second season of Spartacus was expected to air next September. On a positive note, the prequel is currently filming in New Zealand and will debut in January 2011 as planned.
What do you think? What should Starz do? Suspend production of season two until Whitfield can hopefully return? Recast the role, do another prequel, or cancel the series altogether?
Image courtesy Starz.
My husband &I bought the 1st season and watched one right after the other!! We loved the movie and all the actors really bring life to the roles they play! I hope Andy a speedy recovery,and hope the producers for the film know it wouldn’t be the same with someone else in his place!!!!
I went through the same cancer as Andy, and people are right, only he can play Spartacus! As I beat the cancer with ease, so can he. Given time he will be able to finish as many episodes as needed. God Speed Andy!
I feel so terrible for Andy and hope he gets better! But the show would just NOT be the same without him playing the part of spartacus. He’s amazing.
This was such a wonderful series, Andy seem to make it come alive. It was exciting to watch and I hate to think of him not returning, but I also understand what he’s dealing with. The cast has done wonderful work and I believe they will con’t. with someone else in his place and hopefully he will get better an return so we can enjoy him once again. I hope the best for him and his family at this time, and maybe we will see him again as “Spratacus”.
Love the show and Andy. Think the prequel is a great idea would love to see more of the others in series. It will also give Andy sometime to get well (best wishes to him and his family) then maybe at that time if Andy decides not to do it or can’t, the role can be recasted. Do not want to see the series end yet and I think most that watch feel the same. Get well Andy can’t wait for the next installment……
All the actors in Spartacus are great. Andy Whitfield is perfect as Spartacus and I wish him the best for him and his family. I hope he will be cancer free soon. I agree with Gary, that its not fair for all the other actors and crew to be unemployed or have such a great show cancelled. The prequel is a great idea or even a replacement that equals Andy Whitfield’s personality, at least until he gets better. Also, Craig Parker is awesome. I would love to see more of him.
Recast Spartacus until Andy is feeling better
Camcer is seriously unfair to all, but even soap operas change characters all the time. And, then, they make it a big deal to bring them back. So, God willing, they find someone to fill really big shoes, he gets his treatment and gets better, and he makes a triumphant return. By the way, Andy was in a movie called Gabriel. It was about angels and demons fighting over Earthly souls along with their own souls. I thought it was pretty interesting. Good luck to him and his family.
I hope that the series Spartacus continues forward. all my prayers go out to Andy and his family. I think replacing the lead character will be fine considering all his fans understand the situation. This series has been the best I’ve seen in a long time, it would be sad to see such a great production go to waist!
I think Andy is what makes the whole show. Not taking anything away from the other actors. They are all wonderful. I would like to see the show postponed until Andy is able to come back. Of course my main concern is Andy’s health. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
As much as I like Andy in the title role, I think it would be unfair for all the other actors, production staff, and crew to be unemployed by the cancelation of the series. The trick would be to find another actor as carismatic as Andy. It’s always a gamble to see if he clicks with the audience, but I think most of us who watch know what’s going on with Andy’s health and will give Starz a lot of slack in casting another Spartacus to see the series continue. It’s not like he had a contract dispute and they… Read more »
As much as Andy is a outstanding Spartacus and must step aside, I would continue to watch the series with another actor taking his place. Those that make the series have good choices in selection of their actors. As much as I love Andy’s talent for this role, I would love to see the series continue. Perhaps a show starting of a younger Spartacus then followed by the new actor will ease the adult one in so the audience would connect with the new actor in their comfort zone. You will be missed Andy but your health and family do… Read more »
I totally enjoyed this series. To be truthful I did not recognize Andy’s work before this series. I’m sure there are casting directors that can amaze us with other talents out there, and writers that can spin the tale. After each of my losses or set backs I have found situations that turned out for the better. I am seeing the same for you.
I AM WISHING Andy well. I think he is very gifted and talented.
Robert
I agree with most of the writers, that only Andy can play Spartacus. The cast was so rich with wonderful characters. I think that a pre-quel is a great idea and could be expanded to give Andy time to see if he can beat this illness. I’d like to see more of Varga and why he had to become a gladiator. Same for many of the core characters. I love Lucy and would watch her in anything. I hope for all the best for Andy and his family.
I would very much like totally super set of the last episode was great Proceed with 4 or 5 years.