Australian film and TV actor Liam McIntyre has excelled at a grueling and rigorous audition process to claim the title role in the second season of Starz’ hit franchise, “Spartacus,” Starz, LLC, President and CEO Chris Albrecht announced today.
McIntyre takes over the role of the Thracian warrior sold into slavery in the Roman Republic city of Capua – where he rises to become the champion of the city – before leading the slave revolt that ended Season 1. The part was played in the first season of “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” by Andy Whitfield, who was forced to leave the show in order due to health issues. Whitfield gave his blessing to the recasting.
“Since no one can really replace Andy, we realized that we should instead find an actor who can truly lead ‘Spartacus’ forward,” Starz President and CEO Chris Albrecht said in a statement. “It was important to us to have Andy endorse the idea of recasting this part, which he did in the same heroic manner that he’s dealt with his whole ordeal. And that, coupled with our fortune in finding a young actor with the gladiator credentials and the acting ability of Liam, makes it easier for us to keep this hit franchise going.”
“Spartacus: Gods of the Arena,” a six-part prequel that tells the story of the House of Batiatus gladiator school, and the intricate personal, sexual and political maneuverings in Capua five years before “Blood and Sand” was set, debuts at 10 p.m. et/pt on Friday, January 21st, 2011.
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About Rosy
Dear Everyone, (who is involved in the casting, and the cast of Spartacus)
Ohhhhh, I do feel so very badly for the horrendous bad luck that followed him, and has left him incapable of returning to his many hoards of fans, myself included. I do wish to send my condolences, and my best wishes to Andy and his family that he might find something that will challenge him, and make him happy, as well, not fatique him too badly.
The cast is wonderful, John Hannah, who I have enjoyed watching for many years was truly a force to be reckoned with and he did a tremendous job. Cudos John, like I say i just so much enjoy your show so very much, and i am a woman. You would think I would shy away from that sort of violence, but it is so different, and has some history. Well my best to you all, and my love to Andy, …..if he ever gets tired of his woman, …….*laughing warmly* Send him my way….. Thank you, keep up the excellent work…..Vicki