Spartacus - Andy Whitfield's Cancer is Back - Show's future in doubt
18 Sept 2010
Cancelled ShowsThanks to Bruce_F, ilenya and Esteban for the heads up on this sad news.
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.
Source: Starz
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I agree; recasting would make the show unenjoyable to watch for me, at least. Right now, I'm more concerned about Andy getting better. That should be the first priority, not for him to get better so that he can get back to acting; there a difference. I look forward to watching the prequel... hopefully they can extend that out as long as Andy is in recovery.
ReplyDeletegod damn....shiiiit!! (calm) alright...we'll just have to pray.
ReplyDeleteI really hope they don't re-cast. Andy has done an exceptional job in a role that doesn't seem too demanding. I just really hope he gets through this.
ReplyDeleteAs for the show... no reason why re-casting or cancelling is the only option. They've already shown a prequel can be done. The end to that prequel isn't going to kill any of the characters we've seen on season one... so maybe they could extend it into a second prequel, until Andy has recovered.
They'll have to recast the role or cancel the show. The other actors aren't gonna be able to hang around in limbo wondering if they've still got jobs
ReplyDelete