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'Spartacus: Vengeance': Liam McIntyre on Andy Whitfield's 'legacy,' plus the full trailer
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Liam McIntyre says his title role in "Spartacus: Vengeance" is one that, given the circumstances in which he got it, he'd rather not have. But he's been getting some pretty good advice on how to play the part -- from the man he replaced.McIntyre took over the role of Spartacus in Starz's series after Andy Whitfield was diagnosed with cancer and had to leave the show. Fans of "Spartacus" can see McIntyre in the role when "Vengeance" premieres in January.
"It's a role you wish was never there, especially as a fan," McIntyre said Friday (July 29) at the Television Critics Association summer press tour. "I mean, I think what Andy did in Season 1 ... it was exceptional work. It is a tough act to follow, but I've got an obligation to the fans, to the show, and to Andy's Season 1 legacy to deliver on that."
He says Whitfield and he have spoken about the demands of playing the role -- for which McIntyre is more than grateful.
"The guy has got, I know from experience now, the job you dream of getting. It's the job of a lifetime, and then he's met with this tragic circumstance," McIntyre says. "And he's still got the strength of character to contact me and say, 'Good luck. Well done,' and give me some tips and advice on how to get through the grueling schedule. I think that speaks volumes of the man. He's fantastic, and his legacy from Season 1 will continue forever."
The full trailer for "Spartacus: Vengeance" is below. Don't hit play if the sight of blood makes you queasy.
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Photo/Video credit: Getty Images, Starz
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Here's some good advice for Liam: hit the heavy end of the dumbbell stack a little harder buddy... You've got big shoes to fill from the great Andy "abs of steel" Whitfield and you can't just fall into this role looking that skinny. 'Vengeance' better bring it with writing and action because so far I'm not impressed with the lead replacement.
I really like the trailer for season 2 this Liam looks like Andy kind of but his voice just don't give the same bad *** feeling that Andy gave to the show...............This show will still have all the other great people but it just wont be the same without Andy this guy cant fill the part better off just having Spartacus die is the first episode and move on without him its just a joke trying to replace him.........
@Sadness, you can't move on in a show based on Spartacus (who was an actual person) without actually having him alive. If Andy wasn't replaced then the show would have to be cancelled.
I was shocked to know Andy passed away last night... this Liam guys better work hard to fill Andy's shoes...specially now!
I will miss Andy so much on TV. Liam looks so much like him but i know d movie will never be the same. We need that voice. That fearless Man. Andy is a Role Model. RIP Andy Whitfield
rest in peace andy whitfield the show wont be the same without you.
I was saddened to hear of Andy's passing.It was a sorry day indeed.
He made Spartacus what it was.
He will not be forgotten.
Andy Whitfield will truly be missed by all his fans. It was a very sad day in my life when I heard he passed away with the same cruel cancer that took my father. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to watch Spartacus Blood and Sand it helped me escape every Friday night at a rough time in my life. Thank you Starz and Thank you Andy Whitfield you were a truly great man and a truly great actor. YOU WERE SPARTACUS.
i had just finished spartacus last nite,.(finished watching it i mean.)
and i started to like the man who play spartacus,then i googled the cast,.
o dear ,i got shocked,he's passed away..i didnt know it before.
RIP andy,.
there wont be the same spartacus.
I agree that Andy Whitfield can never be replaced. The guy is a legend just like the man he portrayed in the first series, and he will be missed greatly by the fans. But, on the other hand, while it's not the same, you have got to hand it to Liam McIntyre. He stepped into that role knowing he had some pretty big shoes to fill, but you can't badmouth him until the first episode comes out. Give the guy a chance for crying out loud. And let's not forget, Andy Whitfield approved the man as his replacement himself, it's just a shame he never got to see the show finish, as he said he would like to see. R.I.P Andy, we'll miss you, and we all wish you were still here with us, not just for Spartacus, but for the future you would have had and the family you left behind.