Aussie Actor Liam McIntyre to Play Spartacus in Starz Franchise

BEVERLY HILLS: Australian film and TV actor Liam McIntyre is taking over the title role in the second season of Starz’ Spartacus.

The part was played in the first season of Spartacus: Blood and Sand by Andy Whitfield, who has left the show due to health issues. McIntyre takes over as the Thracian warrior sold into slavery in the Roman Republic cit of Capua, before leading the slave revolt that ended season one. Season two finds Spartacus and his fellow gladiators now out of Capua and engaged in the massive slave rebellion against Roman society. Production on the series is slated to resume by spring.

McIntyre appeared in Australian series such as Neighbours and Rush, as well as the HBO mini-series The Pacific. He recently completed his first feature starring role in the indie film Frozen Moments.

"Since no one can really replace Andy, we realized that we should instead find an actor who can truly lead Spartacus forward," said Chris Albrecht, the president and CEO of Starz. "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."