Showing posts with label Spartacus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spartacus. Show all posts

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Spartacus Roll Call: Andy Whitfield "Doing Very Well," Liam McIntyre Embraced



Andy Whitfield may not have attended the Spartacus: Vengeance panel at Comic-Con on Friday, but his presence was still felt by fans and former castmates who missed his performance as the iconic slave on the first season of the Starz sword-and-sandal drama. The actor had dropped out of the series to battle non-Hodgkin lymphoma.


"He's doing very well, for what I hear," executive producer Steven S. DeKnight told the audience. "Obviously he's very private about his health, so I can't go into details. We have joked with each other about working together again. ... He'd respond, something where he doesn't have to take his clothes off."

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Spartacus-Comic-Con-1035586.aspx


Monday, January 17, 2011

Introducing Andy Whitfield's Spartacus Replacement

Starz Press Release:
Australian Actor Picked to Topline Hit Series for Starz
Production of Season 2 Is Set to Begin in New Zealand by Spring 2011

Liam McIntyre
photo: Vanessa Dano and Tom Donato
Beverly Hills, CA – Jan. 17, 2011 – 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,” Albrecht notes. “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.”

Liam McIntyre made his mark in his native Australia on such series as “Neighbours,” and “Rush.” He also appeared in the HBO mini-series “The Pacific.” He recently completed his first feature starring role in the independent film Frozen Moments. McIntyre is currently in New Zealand, getting himself into gladiator shape in order to take on that iconic role. Production on the series is slated to resume by Spring of 2011.

From the time “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” debuted on Starz in January, 2010, it established itself as an epic production with rich storytelling and visuals unlike anything seen previously on any TV show. Audiences responded immediately, making it the most-watched premiere in Starz’ history, and making the show the most watched cable program on nearly two-thirds of the Fridays it aired original episodes. Also starring John Hannah as Batiatus, Lucy Lawless as Lucretia, Peter Mensah as Doctore, Manu Bennett as Crixus and Viva Bianca as Ilythia, “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” was one of the most talked-about and best-loved TV shows of 2010. Season 2 of the series finds Spartacus and his fellow gladiators now out of Capua and engaged in the massive slave rebellion against Roman society that has echoed through time.

Personally, I am sad to know that Andy Whitfield will not be Spartacus, however, I fully support Starz as they continue the show with another actor.

We have to wait a while for Season 2 but at least we have God's of the Arena starting this Friday on Starz to hold us over.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Andy Whitffield Not Returning To Spartacus

Hollywood Reporter press release from Starz 


Andy Whitfield, star of Starz's "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," has been advised by his doctors to immediately resume aggressive treatment for a recurrence of cancer, as a result of which he will not be returning for the series' second season, which was tentatively set to air in September 2011.

"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 sincerely for the support so far," said Whitfield.

"Our hearts and prayers are with Andy and his family during this difficult time," said Starz President and CEO Chris Albrecht. "Andy is not only an incredible actor whose portrayal of Spartacus made an indelible impression on Starz audiences, he is also an amazing human being whose courage, strength, and grace in the face of adversity have inspired all of us."

No decisions have yet been made about the future of the series. "Right now, we just want to extend our concern and support to Andy and his family," said Carmi Zlotnik, Managing Director, Starz Media. "We will address our programming plans at some later date."

Starz still plans to air the prequel to "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" in January 2011. Entitled "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena," it focuses on the House of Batiatus before Spartacus arrives in Capua and stars returning cast members John Hannah, Lucy Lawless, Peter Mensah and Manu Bennett, along with newcomer Dustin Clare.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Spartacus Crixus was in 30 Days of Night

Now I need to watch 30 Days of Night. I just found out that Manu Bennett, Crixus from Spartacus on Starz is in it.

I had no idea!


Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Spartacus Fans and Praying Humans

Prayers are needed for Andy Whitfield as he has just been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and will begin treatment immediately.

The production on the second season of Spartacus which was to begin this month has been delayed.

Spartacus' 1st Season wraps up April 16th.


Prayers and good wishes to you Mr. Whitfield.

For more pictures of Andy Whitfield, go here and check out last months "Eye Candy" post.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Chotskies - Eye Candy February 2010 - Andy Whitfield

Before February ends, let's talk February 2010's eye candy candidate:

Andy Whitfield

Don't know that name yet? Don't worry, you will! Andy is the star of Spartacus Sand and Blood on Starz.

I wrote about it here and here 

What I learned about Andy while researching:

He was born in Wales

He is married

He has two children

He is an actor and model 

 

He was an engineer 

He was an actor in several Australian series before getting his break in a movie called Gabriel

 As Spartacus he is buff, hot and always in need of some bandages.


[photos]

If you have not given Spartacus a chance. I implore you to check it out. Here are my reasons to watch it!

Pros:
Andy Whitfield
Tons of male full frontal nudity
buff bodies
Blood
Fighting
Sexual scenes
Something you can watch with your husband because he will love it too!
Viva Bianca - I love when she is on screen. She cracks me up.

Cons:
Blood
Fighting
Spartacus face always being bloodied
Gay sex (Sorry gay guys, this is not hot to me.)


The show is only 5 episodes in (6th as of tonight) there is still time to catch up on Starz on Demand.
Over 20,000 fans on their Facebook page can't be wrong. Check it out!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Gladiator on Muscle & Fitness

As if you needed incentive to watch Spartacus, check out the April cover of Muscle & Fitness!

It's Manu Bennett who plays Crixus!

Check the story here.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

I Love Spartacus

Have you been following Spartacus? Awesome show! Loads of flesh, blood, fighting and hot guys going full frontal nudity. Loving it although I hate seeing Spartacus' pretty face messed up every week.

If you missed Friday's episode "The Thing In The Pit" you have a chance to see it tonight on Starz at 10:00 p.m.

Episode 104 'The Thing In The Pit' - Having performed shamefully in the arena against Crixus, Spartacus is forced to fight in the Pits. Batiatus, determined to profit from Spartacus, may be at risk if his debts aren't repaid.

Spartacus appears to be going mad with the uncontrollable laughter and images of his lost wife every time I turn around.

Great effects and awesome storyline.

Spartacus Giveaway coming in the next few weeks.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Don't Forget Spartacus is On Tonight

If you missed Spartacus last week, you still have time to watch episode (the premiere) one before episode two tonight.
It is awesome!
A mix of 300 and Sin City with a touch of soft core pornography. What's not to love? Check out the Andy Whitfield who plays Spartacus.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Spartacus: Blood and Sand - 6 More Days





SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND 


  • Friday, January 22nd


    Encore 10:00pm
    Starz 10:00pm
    Starz 11:00pm

Betrayed by the Romans. Forced into slavery. Reborn as a Gladiator. The classic tale of the Republic’s most infamous rebel comes alive in the graphic and visceral new series, Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Torn from his homeland and the woman he loves, Spartacus is condemned to the brutal world of the arena where blood and death are primetime entertainment. But not all battles are fought upon the sands. Treachery, corruption, and the allure of sensual pleasures will constantly test Spartacus. To survive, he must become more than a man. More than a gladiator. He must become a legend. 


Starring Australian actor, Andy Whitfield (McLeod's Daughters) as Spartacus, Lucy Lawless (Xena: Warrior Princess) as Lucretia, John Hannah (The Mummy, Four Weddings and A Funeral) as Batiatus and Peter Mensah (300, The Incredible Hulk) as Doctore, this unique mix of live action, graphic novel effects and brutal battle sequences is set to make "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" an epic television event.