Henrick Vartanian
Months of talent search are finally over. A new ‘Spartacus’ will lead Starz’ hit series, announced by the network today.
Aussie actor Liam McIntyre will pick up the sword and fill in the sandals of exiting actor Andy Whitfield. McIntyre will take over the lead role in season two after Whitfield dropped out of the show due to complications resulting from his battle with cancer. The exiting actor gives his blessing to Starz’ decision and supports McIntyre as the man in the helm.
In November of last year, Deadline had listed 3 possible replacements for Whitfield of which McIntyre was a part. Stephen Amell and Aiden Turner were the other two. In fact all three traveled to New Zealand to audition for the role. It looks like Starz told McIntyre stay in touch and beef up his body a bit more.
McIntyre has appeared in HBO’s ‘The Pacific’ and the indie movie Frozen Moments. In Australia he’s known for starring in TV series ‘Rush’ and you guessed it, ‘Neighbours.‘
Don’t expect a hiatus for the prequel either. The show will go on. ‘Spartacus: Gods of the Arena’ premiers this Friday evening.
Spartacus: Season Two starts shooting this spring for a January, 2012 airing.
At BNH we wish Andy Whitfield a fast healthy recovery and welcome Liam McIntyre to a kick ass show.
Starz official website: http://www.starz.com/ 