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'Spartacus: Blood and Sand': Season 2 begins in January as a prequel series
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Update: Sadly, Andy Whitfield's cancer has returned, and the role of Spartacus has been recast. The iconic character will now be played by Liam McIntyre. For more information on McIntyre and Starz' decision to recast, click here.Fans of "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" will be happy to hear that star Andy Whitfield, who has been battling non-Hodgkins lymphoma, will return to Starz in January. "Spartacus" will return in a prequel series, starring John Hannah and Lucy Lawless, the Chicago Tribune's Watcher blog reports.
Contrary to rumors, the role of Spartacus will not be re-cast.
According to Starz, Whitfield is "responding well" to treatment and will appear as Spartacus in 2 out of 6 planned episodes. The prequel series will focus on the rise of the House of Batiatus, the gladiator academy, and will revolve around the relationship between Lawless' and Hannah's characters, Lucretia and Batiatus.
"The prequel story maintains the excitement and entertainment value of the first season of 'Spartacus,' giving audiences the engaging experience they've come to expect," Starz President and CEO Chris Albrecht said in a statement released Tuesday, May 11.
"Fortunately, Andy is responding to his
treatments, and will be able to be part of this prequel in a limited
capacity."
Aside from Hannah, Lawless, and Whitfield, fans can expect to see more familiar faces among the prequel's cast members. Returning favorites include Peter Mensah (Doctore), Manu Bennett (Crixus), Antonio Te Maioha
 (Barca), Nick E. Tarabay (Ashur), Lesley-Ann Brandt 
(Naevia). Production will begin this summer in New Zealand.
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Sounds like a very agreeable stop gap. Hopefully Whitfield will recover fully so we can have the real Season 2 soon.
Manu Bennett's "Crixus" preceded "Spartacus" as champion of the House of Batiatus. Do you people even watch this awesome show?
That is great to hear that Andy Whitfield is responding to treatment. Hopefully he is able to make a speedy recovery. Looking forward to the prequel, especially since it means Lucy Lawless and John Hannah will be back.
Oh no,we will have to wait so long time!??
how much does it take to do six bloody episodes??!!
I'm so upset that Andy is not feeling well but its good news to hear he's doing better, the whole show is surrounded in his character, without him, it won't be the same. This is torture!!!! WE MISS SPARTICUSSS!!!! :(
As a great fonding of "Ancient
Rome" Andy rapidly concoured my
heart in the one of the best
known historical sagas of all
times.
I am happy he's enduring the
illness, just as a "real
gladiator". :)
I think, upon his returning Andy
will leave a memorable mark as
Spartacus just as Kirk Douglas
decades ago.
Please, have him back as soon as
possible!!!!!
this is the greatest show of all time by far, the action is amazing the storyline is suburb and they follow the kistory soo well andy is an amaxing actor the show will not be the same without him my preyrs r with u.
I am so glad Andy is doing well. He is my favorite character. Who could replace him. I will keep him in my thoughts and prayers.
It is good to hear that Andy Whitfield is doing better, my best suggestion is that you wait until he fully recovers so he can start the role of Spartacus where he left off. The show wont be the same without him. please just wait, or you might ruin the show altogether..
I feel so guilty for wanting to see a season 2 so badly. Still, it is much more important for the health of Mr. Whitfield. Prayers go out to him, and all those suffering. Loved you in the show, but just take care of yourself!