The race to replace ill Andy Whitfield (right) as Spartacus in the brilliantly blood-soaked Starz series has been one we’ve been watching closely for months and today it was finally revealed that relative unknown — and total doppelganger — Liam McIntyre has bested soap star Aiden Turner, Stephen Amell and late entry Dominic “Prison Break” Purcell to snag the coveted role. As we hoped from day one.
In an official statement, Starz CEO Chris Albrecht said, “since no one can really replace Andy, we realized that we should instead find an actor who can truly lead ‘Spartacus’ forward.“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.”
While it will be a good long while until we see Liam in action as Spartacus given the elaborate post production required to bring the show’s signature effects to life, fans of the franchise should keep in mind that a pre-quel, “Spartacus: Gods of the Arena” premieres this Friday.
Judging a book by its cover, what do you think of Liam’s casting?
Photo: Starz