Papi Chulo's BLOG

TRAILER PARK :: Spartacus: Gods of the Arena

~Papi Chulo~

Starz to Recast Spartacus Role

Starz has officially started looking for an actor to replace Andy Whitfield as Spartacus on Spartacus: Blood and Sand.

Spartacus producers are searching for a Caucasian male in his mid- to late-30s to play the title role. Actors must have an authentic British accent and be prepared to sign a three-year contract.

Whitfield had to drop out of the series' second season after doctors advised him to resume "aggressive treatment" for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Last week, producers were struggling between either doing a "recast or close up shop."

A prequel to the series, Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, will still air as scheduled in January 2011.

~Papi Chulo~

In the News :: Spartacus: Blood and Sand May "Close Up Shop"

Starz executives have yet to decide how Andy Whitfield's cancer relapse will affect the future of Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Executive producer Steven S. DeKnight revealed that one of two things may happen: a new actor will be cast to replace Whitfield or the series will end.

Steven S. DeKnight: "The two main options are to close up shop or recast. That's obviously very important to us. We're still absorbing what's happened. I think it's going to be a little while before we reach any conclusions."

A prequel to the series, Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, will still air as scheduled in January 2011.

~Papi Chulo~

In the News :: Spartacus: Blood and Sand's Andy Whitfield Leaves Series to Battle Cancer

Spartacus: Blood and Sand star Andy Whitfield will not be returning to the second season of the popular Starz series. The Welsh actor, who was in remission after being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in March, has been advised to resume aggressive treatment for the disease.

Andy Whitfield: "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 for the support so far."

The series had delayed production in the spring while Whitfield underwent treatment. The network hasn't made any decisions regarding the series' future.

A prequel to the series, Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, will still air as scheduled in January 2011.

~Papi Chulo~

Starz Renews Spartacus: Blood and Sand

Starz is clearly confident about its new series Spartacus: Blood and Sand. The premium cable channel has renewed the big budget action drama for a second season... an entire month before the series premiere.

The 13-episode second season will begin production in early 2010.

Spartacus: Blood and Sand debuts on January 22, 2010 @ 10pm.

Here's the series' official trailer:

~Papi Chulo~