The cancer of Andy Whitfield, star of the Starz series Spartacus: Blood and Sand, has returned, and he has been advised by his doctors to resume “aggressive treatment.” Whitfield, diagnosed with stage 1 non-Hodgkin lymphoma in March, was thought to be in remission.
The network announced today that he will not be returning to star in the second season of the series, which had been scheduled for September 2011.
Here is the full statement from the network:
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.
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show will not be a same without andy. hope he beats this cancer. must have faith, and with support of a loving wife and family he will. however, do not see a replacement.
It has to be heartbreaking news for Andy and his family. Even if they found a replacement, it wouldn’t be the same. He was the heart of the show.
Really shocking news. My thoughts are with Andy and his family. Indeed, he was the heart of the show, and even if they found a replacement, it wouldn’t be the same.
Hi, I was really shocked when I heard this. I really thought that Andy had beaten this devastating disease. Of course his health is more important that any television show but I hope it will still be possible for him to return to Spartacus when he beats this cancer. I know his many fans will pray or send good wishes into the universe for him and his family for a complete recovery.
Terrible news for Andy Whitfield and his friends and family.
If Starz were willing to produce it, I would be more than willing to watch a season 2 that focused solely on the Roman upper society and which showed their reaction to the events of the season 1 finale and the beginnings of Spartacus’ endeavours to free all slaves. We could still see the slaves’ point of view by showing their reactions to the second-hand news of Spartacus’ exploits. They could even include Gladiator action by examining how other ludus’ reacted to the outbreak and perhaps show the implications of the Roman government take-over of the Gladiator schools (which I’m pretty sure happened after Spartacus escaped).
Then, season 3 could essentially cover the same time period, but be from Spartacus’ point of view and we can see first-hand what prompted all the rumours and stories we heard about in season 2.
Whatever Starz’s decision is, obviously the most important things is Andy Whitfield’s health, but it would still be wonderful to see the show continue with the ability for him to return once he is ready to (and if he wants to).
How awful… My thoughts go out to Andy and his family.
I am very sad to read this news.
I’ll send good vibes to Andy and his family. Hope he can bit this once and for all
This is terrible. My heart is heavy and my thoughts are with Andy and his family.
What Arwen said at the river. “What grace is given to me, let it pass to him.” What grace is given to us, let it pass to Andy, and to all who battle this illness and all disease.
My thoughts go out to Andy and his loved ones. I’m sad about the future of Spartacus, but a human life is so much more important than any show. I know Andy will beat this.
Very well put. I totally agree.
Wow, that IS shocking.
And really, really sad.
Beyond sad.