Image Credit: ireImageSpartacus: Blood and Sand star Andy Whitfield will not be returning to the second season of the Starz series, the network announced today via press release. The actor, who was in remission after being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in March, has been advised to resume “aggressive treatment” for the disease. “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,” Whitfield said in the release. “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 actor had been training for the second season after he was declared cancer-free in June. At this point, the network has not made any decisions regarding the series’ future. “Right now, we just want to extend our concern and support to Andy and his family,” Starz Media’s Managing Director Carmi Zlotnik said in the statement. “We will address our programming plans at some later date.” Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, a prequel to the series, will still air as scheduled in January 2011.
Sending tons of good vibes Andy’s way.
Andy “was the Show” the Sesaon I DVD set that I got for christmas was at the top of my list – I hope the producers and the Network do the right thing and offer him the part after this “prequel” All my best to Andy and his family And God speed on a fast and healthy recovery
That’s so scary; looks like the cancer has returned. My best wishes to Andy and his family.
Don’t care for the show, but HE is amazing. I hope he comes back stronger than ever and in something even better.
what a horrible tragedy
Andy was amazing in the role of Spartacus…he totally made the show.
its a brilliant ensemble but i do agree that he made the cast and i can’t picture any of the others stepping up to take his place. They are going to have to shift their story somehow.
With that said I am sending my prayers Andy’s way. Fight the good fight! He’s got that gladiator spirit and i hope it gets him through this next round.
Hoping for a speedy recovery. I loved Spartacus, and he was great in it. Quick recovery….
So sad
He was wonderful in the role. Best wishes to him and his family.
So sorry to hear that, hope Andy gets better. Wonder what Starz will do now that their lead actor is out of the show? Will they reboot it or get another actor for the second season?
I kind of hope they don’t. We LOVED this show, and we’re looking forward to the upcoming pre-season. But I don’t think they could replace him (he made the show!), and he’s obviously not coming back, so it just makes sense to leave it as one fabulous season.
amen
I don’t see them recasting and Andy just made the role so much his own. The finale of the series was set to act as both series and season finale so possible they may just decide not to do a second season after all. A shame but his health is more important than a TV show.
This puts Starz in a bad situation they have to bring it back because it is a Huge (cannot stress this enough collosal) hit for them ratings wise they have to recast and bring back My suggestion that while on the *spoiler* warpath he wears a mask/helmet and they build up side characters and hopefully Whitfield recovers and they can bring him back. up Best wishes to whitfield and family.
While I truly I hope Andy recovers, I also hope they will not stop the series.
Much as I absolutely LOVED Spartacus, not sure I’d want to see season 2 with another actor. So terribly sad, but wishing Andy W. a complete and full recovery.
Yes. Exactly.
Oh God NO!!!! This can’t be happening. An aspect of why the show is so hella great is because of it’s perfect casting, So what the hell are they going to do now? I generally have a problem with replacement actors in the original’s breakthrough roles anyway. What a travesty.
All my well-wishes Andy.Ic
This sucks, hope he gets better…
“..in June. At this point, the network has not made any decisions regarding the series’ future. ” I could have sworn I read Starz had already green lit a second season well before the season finale?
well dont you think that maybe with their star now quitting it may put things up in the air? I hope Andy gets better, the show doesnt matter squat next to his health
You missed the point of my question, but oh well.
They had green lit it – but “at this point” – as in at the point of him bowing out, they are now up in the air on what to do.
They’ve already filmed the prequel, six episodes I think, so they can air that instead. Fingers crossed he’ll be on the mend and be able to come back next year.
Good Luck Andy
I’m so sad for him. I thought he was wonderful even though the show itself had highs and lows for me. I hope they just do another show from that period. I don’t think they can replace him.
Maybe Michael Cera can step in
You are cruel. Would be funny to see Cera take on the gladiators in the ring; would last about .0001 seconds.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! *cry*
i wish him all the best, get well soon andy!