14 DAY TRIAL // Despite losing the star that made “Spartacus” the hit series that it is today, Andy Whitfield, Starz has confidence in the show. In fact, it has so much faith in it, it's already picked it up for a third season, long before the second one even premiered.
“Spartacus: Vengeance” is the follow-up to “Spartacus: Blood and Sand,” which starred Andy Whitfield as the leading character.
Forced to pull out from the show after being diagnosed with cancer (sadly, the actor died this year), Andy was replaced by Liam McIntyre.
As it happens, the second season of the show, which will mark Liam's first try with Andy's loyal fanbase, hasn't even aired yet and Starz is already thinking about more seasons.
The network, it would seem, is convinced that the series has legs without its main star, something that many fans believe simply can't happen.
“There is no denying the impact 'Spartacus' has had in the marketplace with fans across the globe thirsting for the continuation of the epic tale,” Starz Media managing director Carmi Zlotnik said in the official announcement, as cited by AceShowbiz.
“We are thrilled to come to an early agreement that allows the writers and talent to get right back to work in preparing for season three,” Zlotnik adds.
Shooting for season 3 will start in early 2012 in New Zealand and will air at a much later date. Whether the second season will be a hit with fans will presumably impact the third season.
“The executives at Starz have been extremely supportive in giving us creative freedom and allowing us to tell the story in a rich, yet bold way that leaves an indelible mark on its fans,” executive producer Steven S. DeKnight says, in response to Zlotnik's words.
As we also informed you a while back, Lucy Lawless will return as Lucretia in season 2, despite the fact that the character was killed off.