User blog:Scottlukaswilliams/Spartacus: Blood and Sand on DVD

We've got both good and bad news this week.

The bad news is that Andy Whitfield (Spartacus) has had to bow out of season two to battle his cancer. It had been in remission and Whitfield was in training for season two when his doctors told him he needed to immediately take time to deal with treatment. Whitfield said: "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."



Starz released this statement: "Our hearts and prayers are with Andy and his family during this difficult time. 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." Thus far, they haven't announced how this will impact the production of the show. The prequel mini-series that was shot when Whitfield first had to deal with his cancer is slated to begin airing in January. Hopefully, Whitfield will be able to win his battle and season two of Spartacus can be filmed in the spring.

The good news is that season one of Spartacus: Blood and Sand is being released on DVD in North America tomorrow. I already have a copy on hold and can't wait to go pick it up!

--Scottlukaswilliams 20:53, September 20, 2010 (UTC)