The following is from Michael Ausiello about Andy's replacement (no one can replace Andy IMO as Spartacus and the new Sparty is going to have alot to live up to). This is a follow up to what Starz CEO "If a casting change doesn't pan out, Albrecht said Starz would look at using another project from its development pipeline in late 2011") For now Starz is looking for a new Spartacus. This is good news but also bad news because Andy won't be our Spartacus.
That this was inevitable doesn’t make it any less sad: Starz has officially started looking for an actor to replace Andy Whitfield on Spartacus.
According to the just-released casting notice, producers are searching for a Caucasian male in his mid to late 30s to play the “smart, intense, passionate” title role. Interested parties must have an authentic British accent and be prepared to sign a three-year contract.
Whitfield was forced to bow out of the show’s second season after doctors advised him to resume “aggressive treatment” for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Last week, exec producer Steven S. DeKnight told me that the the production would either “close up shop or recast.” It looks like they’re moving forward with the latter.
My two cents: No one can replace Andy Whitfield. But the person who probably comes closest is Grant Bowler.
