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'Spartacus: Blood and Sand': Andy Whitfield may be replaced
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Andy Whitfield was forced to drop out of Starz's period drama "Spactacus: Blood and Sand" earlier this month so he could resume cancer treatment for his non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which his doctors suggested by "immediate" and "aggressive." Sources tell Reuters that the cable network has begun talks with casting directors to about possibly finding a replacement.Reportedly Whitfield supports the series' continuation. If no appropriate replacement can be found, Starz and the producers may opt to delay its return or cancel production altogether. Whitfield was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and a "Spartacus" prequel was crafted that did not involve him.
The prequel is currently filming in New Zealand and is set to air in January, but a decision about the second season will have to be reached in the next couple months because production is set to begin on the second season immediately following the filming of the prequel.
The show also wants to find a way to have Whitfield involved somehow because any credit on the show means he remains an employed member of the production. What do you think, "Spartacus" fans? Should Whitfield be recast?
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I don't think they have any choice BUT to recast. They can't do the show without Spartacus and I don't think it's fair to cancel production all together (effectively laying off all other actors, writers, and crew) because of him needing to drop out. It's a sticky, emotional, gut-wrenching decision but it's the right one.
If Starz does cancel the show, let's at least hope that they hang on to the production team and turn them loose on something else. They've demonstrated they can do great work.
I can understand the desire to continue the lead character's story, especially with as much effort that went into developing it in the first season. Honestly, though, Andy Whitfield's performance was so wonderful it's pretty much impossible to imagine another actor stepping in and it working for the audience. Even if they find the most wonderful actor ever, there would be such a disconnect that I think it would be very hard for watchers to overcome that hurdle.
Most people seem to forget that the show did build in a way for there to be another Spartacus. "Spartacus" is not the name of the lead character--it was the name he was given as a gladiator. In the context of the show, there is no reason that, if the first one were to fall, another could not take on the name, perhaps to honor the memory and sacrifice of the original, and pursue his objectives. While this would lose the history for the character built up in the first season, it would provide the opportunity to build a new character and bring in other storylines as well.
Most importantly, all hopes for Andy Whitfield's complete and full recovery and a long and happy life.
I WOULD WAIT TIL MID YEAR NEXT YEAR. THEN DECIDE SO THEY COULD GO BACK IN TO PROJUCTION THEN. HAVE THE SCRIPTS READY TO DO HAVE ALL THE OTHER ACTORS READY.
Andy gave such a fantastic performance, I can't imagine anyone else taking over his role in the production of the show. I feel so bad for his situation with his health, and the obvious strong feelings he has for the cast and crew. I think they should delay production to a point, to allow him to get back on track. Also, maybe when they start filming, he can be "laid up" in the early episodes while the other gladiators fight for him. That would give him time to regain his strength, and still stay as a character in the show.
Andy Whitfield IS Spartacus. They should wait until he can return. We waited a year and half for the Sopranos, we can wait for Spatacus.
I agree with CHASE and Frances, hold off on production entirely and wait until Andy returns. Breaking Bad is doing it, they are not returning but taking a hiatus break and releasing short web episodes to continue the story. Spartacus should do the same, release some sort of material while Andy gets better, but DON"T RECAST!!!
Are you all that selfish? Really? I thought it was just a complex amonst fans of Xena. Firstly, you can't tie the actors down for that long. They've got bills to pay, families to take care of and so on. Think about the crew, who rely on the production of Spartacus to make a living. Recasting and maybe focusing on a different character while waiting for Andy to recover is the most economical choice. Think about the people who work on the show, not about how "odd" it might be withou Andy.
Cancel it.
cancel it
Good thoughts to Andy Whitfield, and cheers to the show for wanting to keep him employed.