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 The show’s lead, Andy Whitfield, has withdrawn from filming the second season.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.
Like so many movies and stories one can die or get killed in battle. The Rock would be a good cast for the slot. I have really enjoyed watching Whitfield he is a wonderful Actor. I am also very sadden by his illness. However; as they say The Show Must Go On. Do not Suspend. Have Whitfield come in for a short role then have another to build from that point. We all love Whitfield and I am sure we all wish him the very best and hope he can return. However, there are fans out here that would still… Read more »
I think if Andy has made a statement so finalized such as the one above about leaving the show. Then re-casting the role, as sad as it will be is far better an idea than canceling. Just as most of us didn’t know Andy before Spartacus there are certainly lots of other actors that are “yet to be discovered” that potentially could step in. Keep in mind here I feel Andy is the irreplaceable and hate this whole situation but “The Show Must Go On” and I think Andy would probably want it that way too.
Hope he pulls through ok… I would prefer to wait as long as possible for him to return but, I could do real a replacement after time as the stories were great.
That is awful. I hope he gets better.
Suspend until Whitfield’s 2nd round of treatment is over to see there’s a chance for him to return; he’s earned the respect as without him, there would not have been a successful series debut.
If he cannot return, then deal with these questions of what to do.
WE STARTED OUT W/ ANDY. HE DREW US INTO THIS AMAZING STORY. HE HELD US SPELL BOUND TO OUR TV SETS EACH WEEK….WE WILL NOT GIVE HIM UP EASILY. THE ENTIRE CAST/WRITERS/PRODUCERS/DIRECTOR BROUGHT US THE BEST ENTERTAINMENT OF THE SEASON, BUT – IT WAS ANDY’S PORTRAYAL OF SPARTACUS THAT CAPTIVATED THE AUDIENCE. PLEASE, SUSPEND PRODUCTION OF A 2nd SEASON. GIVE ANDY HIS CHANCE TO HEAL, TO RECOVER, TO REBUILD THAT MAGNIFICENT PHYSIC OF THE GLADIATOR THAT WON OUR HEARTS. HIS WILL AND OUR PRAYERS WILL BRING HIM BACK TO THIS PROJECT. THERE CAN BE NO OTHER SPARTACUS!!!
“Spartacus: Blood and Sand” was a spectacular series, and one that will stand the test of time as one of the greatest action spectacles of our time. I would prefer that the show end rather than continue without Andy Whitfield. I wish him a full recovery, and would glady welcome him back in the role if and when he is able, even if that return should be years in the future, and I think most fans are willing to wait as well. And if his return isn’t in the cards, so be it. As it is, the series has a… Read more »
That is so sad 🙁
Andy Whitfield is young and had to go to through this, wish the best for him and a good recovery.
If I were the director the closest option for me to pick that looks like Andy would be Sam Worthington (Clash Of The Titans 2010, Avatar) he would be great playing the role
but still! Whitfield is SPARTACUS! period!
I honestly can’t see anybody else but Andy Whitfield as Spartacus and would say, wait… but we honestly don’t know how his treatment will go. It’s disturbing the doctors are going with aggressive treatment so soon so either it was not really truly caught in May, or it’s a very aggressive form. Either way, all I want to see is for Andy to beat this. The thing is that there are so many others involved in the show – actors, crew, etc. – that recasting might be the logical route to go. I get the feeling it’s going to be… Read more »
Suspend production of season two until (SPARTACUS) Whitfield returns!!!! Totally agreed, I can wait also and the show would NOT be the same without him!!!! Get better soon Andy, we miss you!!!!
I think recasting is the best option. Whitfield needs to worry about his health. I guess they could have another character take up the Spartacus name and end up being the “real” Spartacus of legend, but I don’t like that idea.
Suspend till Whitfield returns. I can wait!
wait it would suck with out him who else could play spartacus
Suspend production of season two until (SPARTACUS) Whitfield returns !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Recast