It seems Starz have decided to move ahead with Spartacus: Blood & Sand, despite the fact Andy Whitfield can't return as the eponymous Thracian hero, owing to a recurrence of his non Hodgkin's lymphoma. The title role of gladiator Spartacus will now be recast, with the call already going out to find a Caucasian male in his late-30s, with an authentic British accent, who's prepared to sign a three-year contract.
How do you feel about this development? Bittersweet news that the show's returning, but without its original lead? Will the show suffer without Whitfield's presence, or will fans give his replacement a fair chance? Can you think of any previous examples of a TV show recasting a leading role (during the show's broadcast), that worked out well?
Spartacus: Blood & Sand returns in early 2011 with prequel series Gods Of The Arena (feature Whitfield in two bookending episodes), before the sequel season arrives next summer.
