Starz has cast U.K.-born Andy Whitfield as the title character of its new action series “Spartacus: Blood and Sand.”

Lucy Lawless also has joined the cast as Lucretia. Filling out the cast are relative newcomers Erin Cummings, Peter Mensah, Manu Bennett, Antonio Te Maioha, Craig Parker and Nick E. Tarabay.

“Spartacus,” which begins production in April in New Zealand, is expected to premiere on Starz in January.

The series is produced by Starz Media and executive producers Rob Tapert, Sam Raimi and Joshua Donen, who originally developed the show. Executive producer Steven S. DeKnight, coming off a consulting gig on Fox’s “Dollhouse,” will serve as head writer.


http://www.tvweek.com/news/2009/03/starz_casts_whitfield_lawless.php

Sounds like they're trying to recreate the whole Hercules/Xena franchise. Of course I enjoyed those shows. So if this new show is anything like those ones it could be good. Time will tell I guess.

Its hardly a recreation. Having the same location, cast and crew (from New Zealand) is bound to draw comparisons.

Hopefully it will be good. I've been less than impressed with Starz's original programs. They pale in comparison to HBO and Showtime.