After being part of an interview via conference call Tuesday with four lead actors from Spartacus: Vengeance, the upcoming third season of the series on Starz, Im even more excited for the premiere on January 27th.
The phone interview included stars Liam McIntyre (Spartacus), Lucy Lawless (Lucretia), Peter Mensah (Oenomaus/Doctore) and Viva Bianca (Ilithyia). They talked about their characters, gave hints to the upcoming season and spoke about what it's like filming all that sex and violence. (Hint: not as much fun as it looks onscreen.)
For those impatient people, you can watch the first episode free on Facebook on this Friday, January 20th.
The real fun of the interview for me wasn't the minor spoilers for the upcoming season or hearing the actors answers the questions. It was the easy banter between the four of them.
They seemed relaxed and comfortable with each other, sometimes even answering questions by starting a conversation among themselves. It made for an enjoyable time on the other hand and made me wish I could’ve been sitting in a bar having a good time talking about the show with them.
(Also, Liam McIntyre gives great phone voice. I have a thing for voices. This was sorta like the Aussie version of Alan Rickman. But I digress….)
For those awaiting season three eagerly, some broad hints were offered.
McIntyre, who bantered through much of the interview, became serious when talking about the responsibility of taking over the role of Spartacus from the late Andy Whitfield. McIntyre said he was a fan of the show even before he auditioned and what he wanted most to do was be true to the character that Whitfield created.
"I watched all of episodes countless times. I felt like I got Spartacus as he portrayed him. To me was important to continue as that character." In that, McIntyre said he was lucky because the writers ensured that would be the case.
"I've been given this great honor to carry on this great legacy."
He said Spartacus' main challenge this year is to move past his vengeance and dedicate himself to a higher cause. Eventually, he has to become the person who melds his disparate group into a real fighting force that can challenge the power of Rome.
In response to a question about whether Spartacus could fall in love again with Mira, the former slave who aided in freeing them all, McIntyre said that’s something Spartacus struggles with as well.
"Who doesn't need love deep down? He certainly wants to love again and he's going to try but it’s a constant struggle throughout the season."
