'Spartacus' Star Andy Whitfield Won't Return For Season 2, Future of Series In Limbo - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 09-17-2010, 10:15 PM

This is shocking news as Andy Whitfield, diagnosed with treatable Stage 1 non-Hodgkin lymphoma in early March, had been in remission and training hard for the second season of the period drama. He even attended the Spartacus panel at Comic-Con where he said he felt "better than ever." Here is the network's statement.

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.

http://www.deadline.com/hollywood

80sTrivia · 09-18-2010, 10:03 PM

I'm praying Andy makes a complete and speedy recovery...

JamesG · 09-27-2010, 01:28 PM

Cancer-Stricken "Spartacus" Star Andy Whitfield May be Replaced
by Jean Bentley
posted Sept 27th 2010

With "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" star Andy Whitfield undergoing treatment for a relapse of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, producers are searching for ways to move forward with the show's second season.

According to executive producer Steven S. DeKnight, there are currently two options for the series: recast Whitfield's role or end the series, EW reports.

"I want to talk to Andy and find out how he feels about the options," DeKnight said. "That's obviously very important to us."

The difficult decision to possibly recast was only made with Whitfield's approval -- he encouraged the producers to audition other actors for the role, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

However, THR reports that producers, cast and crew are all devastated by Whitfield's illness and would like him to continue in the role. A decision will have to be made in the next eight weeks, when season 2 production is scheduled to begin.

http://www.tvsquad.com/2010/09/27/ne...-whitfield-ma/

09-17-2010, 10:15 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,108	'Spartacus' Star Andy Whitfield Won't Return For Season 2, Future of Series In Limbo This is shocking news as Andy Whitfield, diagnosed with treatable Stage 1 non-Hodgkin lymphoma in early March, had been in remission and training hard for the second season of the period drama. He even attended the Spartacus panel at Comic-Con where he said he felt "better than ever." Here is the network's statement. 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. http://www.deadline.com/hollywood
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09-18-2010, 10:03 PM	#2
80sTrivia Member Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 23, 2002 Posts: 21,715	I'm praying Andy makes a complete and speedy recovery...
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09-27-2010, 01:28 PM	#3
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,020	*Cancer-Stricken "Spartacus" Star Andy Whitfield May be Replaced* by Jean Bentley posted Sept 27th 2010 With "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" star Andy Whitfield undergoing treatment for a relapse of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, producers are searching for ways to move forward with the show's second season. According to executive producer Steven S. DeKnight, there are currently two options for the series: recast Whitfield's role or end the series, EW reports. "I want to talk to Andy and find out how he feels about the options," DeKnight said. "That's obviously very important to us." The difficult decision to possibly recast was only made with Whitfield's approval -- he encouraged the producers to audition other actors for the role, according to The Hollywood Reporter. However, THR reports that producers, cast and crew are all devastated by Whitfield's illness and would like him to continue in the role. A decision will have to be made in the next eight weeks, when season 2 production is scheduled to begin. http://www.tvsquad.com/2010/09/27/ne...-whitfield-ma/