Liam McIntyre Replacing Andy Whitfield in Spartacus: Blood and Sand
By Krystal Clark
We knew it would happen sooner than later. The folks over at Starz along with the creators and producing team of “Spartacus: Blood & Sand” have found a replacement for actor Andy Whitfield. Whitfield played the title role in the breakout action drama, but due to health problems, he had to be replaced. Allow us to introduce you to your new Spartacus — Liam McIntyre!
Back in November, three actors were put on the shortlist for Whitfield’s position. The lucky trio consisted of Aiden Turner (from “All My Children”), Canadian Stephen Amell, (Closing the Ring) and Australian Liam McIntyre (“The Pacific”). The latter of the group obviously beat out the competition to land the role. Starz has sent out an official press release announcing his casting.
Australian actor Liam McIntyre is taking 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,” Starz’s CEO Chris 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.”
The fact that Whitfield gave his blessing to the actor and the show, proves that he’s a class act. The series won’t be the same without him. He truly was one of kind.
Production on “Spartacus: Blood & Sand” is slated to resume for season two in the spring of 2011. Good Luck, Liam! You’ve got big sandals to fill.
What do you think of the new Spartacus? Is he the right choice?
Source: Coming Soon
Monday, January 17, 2011 3:58PM
[...] Update: A replacement has been named! Liam McIntyre will replace Whitfield. Read the details now! [...]
Monday, January 17, 2011 4:15PM
Rigt now I can't accept anyone else in that role besides Andy. He was perfection so it's too soon to comment. Liam has a true challenge ahead of him that's for sure. I don't much care for his look but pictures can be deceiving.
Monday, January 17, 2011 4:50PM
Wait for Andy to get better … no one can be Spartacus but him!! He will be back… without him the show will be like a cheap soap opera production! We are praying for you Andy in Alabama!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011 2:15PM
[...] on Friday January 21. Just yesterday it was announced that Australian actor Liam McIntyre would replace Andy Whitfield in the title role of “Blood & Sand” when it returns for season two. [...]
Sunday, January 23, 2011 5:36AM
Andy cannot be replaced
Sunday, January 23, 2011 7:09PM
There is no replacement for Andy. His blue eyes penetrated through the souls of the viewers watching Spartacus. Why can't they hire someone else on a temporary basis, until Andy gets better. I am devastated that he is ill.
Monday, January 24, 2011 2:08PM
We'll see how this goes.. I can't imagine anyone being able to fill Andy's 'sandals' well but we'll see. Andy was PERFECT, but lets have some faith in Starz productions..
Monday, January 24, 2011 5:19PM
Damn Cancer !!! My father passed 4 years ago from Mantle cell non-hodgkins lymphoma. He fought it for 6 years falling in and out of remission over that time. It was the hardest 6 years of my life watching him hurt all over from the side effects of the so called medicine. Hearing him struggle to gasp every breath because the Lymphatic fluid was building up around his lungs making nearly impossible to breath. Even if Andy beats it the damn thing will likely come back and the body can only take so much abuse let alone trying to get in shape to be and look like Sparticus. So I get it why they are replacing him and why he isnt bitter about it. Its a long shot that Andy would ever be able to resume the role. Its a damn shame and I wish him Godspeed and pray for a cure before it is too late.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011 4:37AM
For me, the series is over…I'm sure the new guy is a good actor and everything, but replacing him, and not waiting for him to get better is a cheap trick. I'm pretty sure the fans would have a waited a year more for the original actor to come back. This is just lame…they were all like: ' Andy is getting better and coming back to shoot the show'. Guess that's not the case anymore.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 5:33PM
I'd rather they wait until Andy gets better to resume filming. The show is over without him in it.
Thursday, January 27, 2011 3:14PM
I agree that Andy can never be replaced. He was superb for that role. He is like no other actor I have ever seen. At least if they get someone to act as Spartacus, i trust that he will have that personality somewhat like Andy. We love you Andy! And you will survive this with Gods help.
Saturday, January 29, 2011 10:01AM
cant they see that this show is done without andy whitfield. thatS terrible that andy's ill
I PREY FOR HIM.. REST NOW ANDY AND DREAM OF BETTER DAYS
Saturday, January 29, 2011 7:24PM
i hope andy gets better he is one of a kind and so handsome and manly,he made that show it will not be the same with out him he will be in my prayers.
Sunday, January 30, 2011 2:58PM
To those who complain and say now the show is over for them–
No, the show will be over if they don't find replacement. Do you not understand how tv industry works? If they prolong any more, it will be the death of the show. As much as I admire Andy, this had to be done, so we should not condemn neither the creators (they did a TREMENDOUS job of supporting Andy and giving him so much time) nor the new actor, since we have no idea how he will fair in the actual series. Have faith, people.
Sunday, January 30, 2011 8:52PM
im so mad seriously pist wtf i love the show but mostly cuz of Andy he is strong hand-sum sexy no one can replace him…..not cool they should have waited he is getting better..
Monday, January 31, 2011 9:49PM
I was so disheartened to learn of Andy's cancer. He really IS Spartacus. I can't imagine anyone else can compare. That being said, I don't blame the show for recasting him. And I myself am a fellow young cancer survivor. Although his cancer started off as treatable and he continued with filming in the Spring once he successfully finished his first round of treatment, the cancer came back this Fall as Stage IV, meaning it has metastasized. I am not sure about his prognosis but generally Stage IV is not good. I doubt he wanted or expected them to wait. That would be a lot of pressure on him to have that looming while he is focusing on his treatment. He is fighting for his life and this Spartacus role is probably not even important to him at this point. Prayers go out for his family.
Monday, January 31, 2011 9:53PM
this show is over and done for……
Friday, February 11, 2011 12:30PM
I can't imagine anyone in the role but Andy, I was just watching the episode when Glaber ordered Spartacus to fight his soldiers with a wooden sword. The part when Spartacus got back up after taking a beating making sure to look Glaber straight in his eyes gave me chills. Andy is just so perfect for the role. I can't imagine anyone else. My prayers are with you Andy.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011 1:23PM
Andy was easily the best actor in the series. In fact, he was the series. The viewers were indeed fortunate to watch 12 episodes in which he starred.
I believe the producers have no choice at this point, and after all, they are in business to make money while entertaining their viewers. The new actor will have his hands full following in Andy's footsteps.
By the way, Rooney Mara faces the same type of situation in the American/English remake of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. She also is in a very tough situation trying to follow in the footsteps of the incredible performances of Noomi Rapace.
Watching both new actors in their respective roles will be very interesting.
But honestly, in the entertainment field, this happens all the time. How many James Bond's and Superman’s have their been? Many!
I still see Sean Connery as James Bond. I still see George Reeves as superman. But, life goes on anyway and movies and TV shows get made anyway. Right?
Wednesday, February 16, 2011 8:32AM
Listen people, we all understand that Andy was great, and that is a good assessment of him. He was probably the best Roman actor I Have seen to date. With that being said, the series is not over.. Its that simple, Liam is an excellent actor also, and if you have seen any of his work, you would agree.
Yes it is hard replacing the original person, but it has been done time and time again in multiple series….
The actors make the series, but the story keeps the series interesting.. I have total faith in the directors and the writers of this series to keep the story compelling and involving, and that is what makes a show.
Andy, i hope that you have godspeed and you beat this cancer, and this shows that you are a man among men, and i hope to one day aspire to be like you. This also shows what kind of man you are because you personally signed off on this. No ill will is spent in your replacement, and i am sure Liam will do your role justice.
Thursday, February 17, 2011 6:38PM
Get Andy to the Medicus!!!
Monday, February 21, 2011 9:39AM
Those that say that the industry should wait…..you don't understand. Andy stepped down permanently from everything I read. It was a choice of end the series completely or move on with someone new. It is a good series, and although Andy was the series, it still deserves the chance to continue. Andy is with his family and concentrating on spending time with them and recovering. This is where he should be, not trying to kill himself to get better and back on the show. He is retired, and my prayers go out to him and his family. We will miss him. The fact that Starz waited for him, supported him, and sought his approval the whole time, is something that most industries wouldn't have bothered with. Give them a chance.
Saturday, February 26, 2011 11:28PM
I say they should wait and have Andy back, he will be victorious beating cancer. We are going to wait and support him, the spirit of the role is ANDY so I will not see another episode, regardless who replaces him.
Good luck Andy
Sunday, February 27, 2011 9:26AM
I agree. I can respect how everyone is rallying behind Andy but at the end of the day this is a business. This wouldn't be the first time that a lead actor has been replaced on a show and it certainly won't be the last. What people fail to understand is that if there are hundreds of people who depend on the series to support themselves and their families. Also, the diet and exercise routine the actors have during the shoot is hardcore. How do we know if Andy's up for all that physical activity? Maybe he wants and needs to lay-low for a while? I think everyone needs to look at the big picture of how EVERYONE is effected by this decision.
Sunday, February 27, 2011 10:38AM
Sadly, Andy is not even fully free from cancer yet, so he is definitely not up for hardcore training and shooting. However, he is employed as a consultant for the show – I thought that was a brilliant idea and really great kudos to them for providing him with such support.
You are right that we have to look at the bigger picture. Yes, it will be hard at first to get used to another Spartacus, but I'm sure we'll enjoy the show, and this is what Andy himself wants. Hopefully, he will recover soon and will land another great role.
Friday, March 4, 2011 3:27AM
How can they wait for someone who quit for health reasons? Especially since its unknown if he would get better, i mean he came out of remission once already while they were waiting for him. He already stated he cant work, cant do the show, and it would make absolutely no sense from any sane viewpoint, to wait.
Insensitive and nonsensical lot you guys are. There is appreciation of an actor, and then there is blind and foolish unreasonableness.
Saturday, March 5, 2011 4:01AM
I expect and pray because Andy recovers everything else it does not matter.
For my Andy it is espartacus the perfect thing cannot be improved
Saturday, March 5, 2011 9:28PM
Silly blind tv script writers. It never works when you "replace" someone like Andy's role is Spartacus.
Thats were the show will not succeed to see a season 3. I do not belive that even season 2 will hit the mark.
What is probably a better solution is to "introduce" Liam as a new character, (eg. spartacus long lost brother/cousin. Some bullcrap like that anyway) and let Liam's "acting" re-attract your viewers with a "new" spartacus!!!!!
You cannot & will NEVER replace Andy's character… FULL STOP>
p.s my prayers and well wishes with Andy and a speedy recovery….
Monday, March 21, 2011 6:41PM
I am both sad and upset that they decided not to wait for Andy, no offense to this new actor but Andy was/is a perfect fit for the role of Spartacus. I would rather wait for Andy to recover than have him be replaced, he has amazing talent and I know a lot of pressure has been put on him from his fans ( including myself) to quickly get him recovered and I understand his battle with cancer is a long process. Spartacus just won't be the same without him…I am still hoping that he will make a comeback..atleast in another season perhaps. I send my best wishes to Andy..love ya!!!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011 2:52PM
Tough act to follow! Best of luck to Liam McIntyre in the role and best wishes to Andy. Hope he gets well soon.
Monday, May 2, 2011 9:46PM
Actors all have contracts and if Andy is sick other actors cannot wait. They all have lives to live and if the contracts are breeched due to waiting for Andy then we would loose the others and the series would be over. Sadens me to see Andy leave and there will be no replacement for sure. But we have to wish him well and welcome the new chapter in the saga. If it sucks, then it sucks… but if its good… then we can move on. In a perfect world we could have waited for Andy… I would have… But reality dictates that other actors would just find new jobs… so we accept our fate the gods have set before us.
Saturday, May 14, 2011 1:08PM
And this is the end of the series for me… Andy is the one and only Spartacus… this is stupid…
Tuesday, May 31, 2011 7:06AM
Andy was the perfect Spartacus…I would rather wait years for the show until he gets better rather than have someone try to unsuccessfully take his place…there is no replacing him and the show will be ruined without him…period
Saturday, June 4, 2011 3:59PM
I know everyone is upset about Andy being replaced. BUT those that are cursing the stuidios for replacing him are being short sighted and selfish. The type of cancer Andy has he needs to concentrate on staying healthy. The extreme excercise and regiment he would be on to keep up his body to look like his Spartacus character would be to devastating and hard to do for the cancer he has. Cancer is an exhausting illness and the cure itself can make you so sick you can barely stand, and are exhausted, your hair falls out and your body swells up. So to expect him to be able to do this kind of a role is unrealstic. We should pray this wonderful actor can kick this cancer in the ass and come back some day in another glorious role. Pray for him and send him God speed on a permenant recovery.
Monday, July 4, 2011 10:03AM
the show is just going to straight suck without andy whitfeild, and the new guy looks horrible. the creators need to find someone new that looks sraight gangster or they need to just wait for andy.
Sunday, July 31, 2011 7:02AM
I was devastated to hear that Andy wouldn’t be coming back to play the role of “Spartacus.” For me, Andy was the one that made that series so special! It will not be the same without him, nor can anyone take his place. I am not one to pay much attention to which actor plays what role. But with Andy, it was different!
All the best to Andy and prayers for his lasting recovery…Hope to see this wonderful actor in another role very soon.
Saturday, August 20, 2011 3:05PM
I understand the show must go on but I am seriously praying that Andy comes back for the next season since they've already replaced him and filmed the upcoming The Vengeance. Andy was beautiful. Those eyes and he owned that character. Just like there is no replacement for all the other main characters, Andy will be sorely missed
Monday, September 12, 2011 9:37PM
Rest in peace Andy. I pray for you and your family. I will still watch season 2 of Spartacus simply out of respect for you. You are a class act.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 12:36AM
i dont know if u know, but andy died…