US cable network Starz have been presented with a rare problem to overcome, in the wake of their popular series Spartacus: Blood & Sand losing its leading actor Andy Whitfield, who was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. Having initially been given a clean bill of health following months of treatment for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Whitfield's cancer returned in the summer and he graciously decided to step aside so the network could recast his role. Since then, fans have wondered if Spartacus can overcome such a major casting change, and if Starz can find someone to equal Whitfield... Today, Deadline are reporting that three actors have been shortlisted as potential substitutes, and the trio are being flown to New Zealand for screen tests. They final three are: Canadian Stephen Amell, Brit Aiden Turner (no, not Aidan Turner from Being Human and the upcoming Hobbit movies) and Australian Liam McIntyre. All three are relatively unknown actors, as was Whitfield when he was cast. A decision on Whitfield's replacement is expected very soon, possibly next week, so filming can begin almost immediately. My first impression, based solely on the photos above, is that Amell is a closer physical match to Whitfield -- but obviously he'll need more than his looks to get the part! Incidentally, a six-part prequel series called Spartacus: Gods Of The Arena (starring Whitfield for two bookending episodes) is scheduled to premiere on 21 January 2011, with the original show's sequel aiming for a summer 2011 debut.
