May 2012 Archives   25 May 2012 Starz to Air All 29 Episodes of Spartacus in Chronological Order for the First Time For the first time, Starz will air all 29 episodes of Spartacus in chronological order, beginning with "Gods of the Arena," then "Blood and Sand," and concluding with "Vengeance," Friday nights from 9pm - 11pm ET/PT, beginning June 8th.   "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena" Episodes to air June 8 & 15 June 8 9pm Past Transgressions 10pm Missio 11pm Paterfamilias June 15 9pm Beneath The Mask 10pm Reckoning 11pm The Bitter End (Series Finale)   The House of Batiatus is on the rise, basking in the glow of its infamous champion Gannicus (Dustin Clare), whose skill with a sword is matched only by his thirst for wine and women. These are the times a young Batiatus has been waiting for. Poised to overthrow his father and take control; he’ll freely betray anyone to ensure his gladiators are in the highest demand. And he’ll have his loyal and calculating wife Lucretia by his side for every underhanded scheme, drawing on the brazen talents of her seductive friend Gaia when it counts. Together, they will stop at nothing to deceive the masses, seize power, and bleed Capua dry.   "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" Episodes to air June 22, 29 and July 6, 13, 20 June 22 9pm The Red Serpent 10pm Sacramentum Gladiatorum 11pm Legends June 29 9pm The Thing In The Pit 10pm Shadow Games 11pm Delicate Things July 6 9pm Great And Unfortunate Things 10pm Mark Of The Brotherhood 11pm Whore July 13 9pm Party Favors 10pm Old Wounds 11pm Revelations July 20 9pm Kill Them All (Series Finale)   Betrayed by the Romans. Forced into slavery. Reborn as a Gladiator. Torn from his Homeland and the woman he loves, Spartacus (Andy Whitfield) is condemned to the brutal world of the arena where blood and death are primetime entertainment. But not all battles are fought upon the sands. Treachery, corruption, and the allure of sensual pleasures will constantly test Spartacus. To survive, he must become more than a man. More than a gladiator. He must become a legend.   "Spartacus: Vengeance" Episodes to air July 20, 27 and August 3, 10 July 20 10pm Fugitivus 11pm A Place In This World July 27 9pm The Greater Good 10pm Empty Hands 11pm Libertus August 3 9pm Chosen Path 10pm Sacramentum 11pm Balance August 10 9pm Monsters 10pm Wrath Of The Gods (Series Finale)   On the heels of the bloody escape from the House of Batiatus, the gladiator rebellion continues and begins to strike fear into the heart of the Roman Republic. Gaius Claudius Glaber and his Roman troops are sent to Capua to crush the growing band of freed slaves that Spartacus (Liam McIntyre) leads before it can inflict further damage. Spartacus is presented the choice of satisfying his personal need for vengeance against the man that condemned his wife to slavery and eventual death, or making the larger sacrifices necessary to keep his budding army from breaking apart. The "Spartacus" series is executive produced by Rob Tapert (The Grudge, "Xena: Warrior Princess” and "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys"), Steven S. DeKnight ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer"), Sam Raimi (Spider-Man and The Evil Dead), and Joshua Donen (The Quick and the Dead). Source     23 May 2012 Olansamuelle's Draw Them All Spartacus Comic Strip Season 2 Episode 9 Monsters Olansamuelle's Draw Them All Spartacus Comic Strip - we are down to the second last episode. Spartacus tries to convince his people to unite against the Roman assault; Lucretia struggles to be free from the men who threaten her fate.  View Comic Strips See more of Olansamuelle's Draw Them All Comic Strip here     21 May 2012 Spartacus 2013 Wall Calendar Preorder for September Release Calendars.com have the 2013 Spartacus Calendar available for pre-order. The Calendar will ship after 04 September 2012. THIS IS A 2013 CALENDAR Spartacus Wall Calendar: The tale of Spartacus resumes in epic fashion in the Spartacus 2013 Wall Calendar: Vengeance—the house of Batiatus lies in ruins, the gladiators are free, and the Roman Republic will pay. Familiar characters mix with new heroes and villains as the stunning drama grows ever more bloodthirsty. Showcasing the phenomenally attractive cast of the new series, Spartacus 2013 Wall Calendar is a perfect gift for every fan. Liam McIntyre is the new face of Spartacus, the slave who became the champion of Capua. Leading a ragtag army of escaped slaves, he's joined by fan favorites Peter Mensah as Oenomaus and Manu Bennett as Crixus. Lucy Lawless also returns as Lucretia. Spartacus: Vengeance turns up the volume on the bloody action and scheming intrigue from Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Spartacus: Vengeance (c) 2011 Starz Entertainment, LLC. All Rights Reserved. UPC: 676728025542 EAN: 9780789325549 Format: Standard Wall Size Closed: 12.0 " x  12.0 " Size Opened: 24.0 " x  12.0 " Grid Size: X-Small Square Binding: Stapled Time Span: 12-month Publisher: Universe Publishing Product ID: 201300000429     16 May 2012 Rittenhouse 2012 Premium Pack Trading Cards Scans Andrea just sent over the card scans of the Rittenhouse 2012 Premium pack release including the 2 promo cards and the 2 autographs she has so far. There are also a few incentive cards: a box-topper is an Andy Whitfield Shadowbox card (don't know what they look like in person), the 2 box incentive is an Andy as Spartacus relic/costume card and the 4 box incentive is a Peter Mensah autograph. There is also a Rittenhouse Rewards card (you have to collect the points on the wrappers/packs of RA products and send them to Rittenhouse to exchange them for a Rewards card) featuring Barca on a Gold Plaque card # GG7. Click here to view the scans     15 May 2012 Kirk Douglas, Liam McIntyre and Steven DeKnight At Leonard Goldenson Theater 31 May 2012 STARZ PRESS RELEASE: DOUGLAS, STAR AND PRODUCER OF THE FILM, IS JOINED BY LIAM MCINTYRE AND STEVEN DEKNIGHT FROM THE STARZ ORIGINAL SERIES “SPARTACUS: VENGEANCE” AT TV ACADEMY’S LEONARD GOLDENSON THEATER ON MAY 31ST TO DISCUSS THE CULTURAL IMPACT OF "SPARTACUS" THEN AND NOW Beverly Hills, Calif. – May, 14, 2012 - In a salute to Kirk Douglas, who first brought Spartacus to life in 1960, Liam McIntyre, of the STARZ Original Series “Spartacus: Vengeance” and its creator and producer Steven S. DeKnight will join the iconic star at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Goldenson Theater on Thursday, May 31st to discuss the cultural impact of “Spartacus” then and now. The evening will celebrate the publication of his 10th book, "I Am Spartacus! Making a Film, Breaking the Blacklist" which will be available as an eBook and in a paperback edition on June 12th from Open Road Media. (openroadmedia.com/kirkdouglas for full details). "I am happy that Spartacus continues to live in the Starz series, but why didn't they ask me to play him?" Kirk Douglas says. "I made a film about freedom at a time when freedom was in jeopardy and a blacklist had been in effect in Hollywood for more than a decade. There are parallels in today's political climate, which is why a hero like Spartacus still resonates, I believe. Also, it helps to look good in a loincloth!" The overarching themes of “Spartacus” are certainly familiar to those who watch the Starz original series, but Steven S. DeKnight has created an entirely new vision, and McIntyre a new interpretation in bringing the legendary warrior to life. Based in both historical fact, as well as fiction, DeKnight and McIntyre will speak about the process and pressure of bringing an iconic character to the screen, the advantage of being able to tell that story on premium television, and the acclaimed production elements that give the show a distinctive look. “Spartacus has a legacy like few other men,” notes McIntyre. “He has inspired millions of people, and entire social movements. It is my immeasurable honor to discuss such an iconic character with Mr. Douglas and Steven S. DeKnight, who have both breathed new life into this legend in exciting and ground breaking ways." "I'm unbelievably humbled,” says DeKnight, “not only to have the opportunity to sit down with a Hollywood legend that has inspired me and countless others, but also to discuss how the story of Spartacus has resonated for thousands of years throughout the world." “Spartacus” as damned by the Legion of Decency and members of the press, particularly influential columnist Hedda Hopper, called for a boycott because Douglas had given screen credit to blacklisted writer Dalton Trumbo, who had written many award-winning films including Roman Holiday under pseudonyms. The public came anyway, including President John F. Kennedy who went to see it on February 21, 1961 at the Warner Theater in Washington and declared it a "fine film." “Spartacus: Vengeance” recently completed a record-breaking year on STARZ and features McIntyre, Manu Bennett, Dustin Clare and Lucy Lawless. Previous seasons, “Spartacus: Blood and Sand”, and prequel, “Spartacus: Gods of the Arena” have been airing in more than 150 countries.     11 May 2012 Olansamuelle's Draw Them All Spartacus Season 2 Episode 8 Balance Season 2 Episode 8 - Balance Spartacus gets a chance for revenge; intrigue surrounds Glaber.     Click here to view See more of Olansamuelle's Draw Them All Comic Strip here     11 May 2012 IGN Posts Exclusive Photos of Spartacus Cast Getting Ready For Season 3 Production is now underway on Spartacus: Season 3 in New Zealand, with fans eagerly waiting to see what’s next for Spartacus, Crixus, Gannicus and the other freed slaves, now that they’ve defeated Glaber – albeit with many loses of their own. Each year, the cast and stunt performers of Spartacus convene a month before production to go through vigorous training to get into Gladiator shape and prepare for the extensive action sequences featured in every episode. IGN has your exclusive look at photos from this year’s boot camp, featuring stars Liam McIntyre (“Spartacus”), Manu Bennett (“Crixus”), Ellen Hollman (“Saxa”) and a new addition to the cast, Simon Merrells, who is playing Spartacus’s new villain, Marcus Crassus. Click here to read the full article and view the images Read more Season 3 news on AUSXIP Spartacus Season 3 subpage For more Spartacus articles, visit the AUSXIP Spartacus Press page     10 May 2012 Lucy Lawless Visits Spartacus Season 3 Set Spartacus Season 3 is currently filming in New Zealand and Lucy tweeted the following about a set visit she was going to make. After zoo, stopping by #spartacus set to see new locations. I'm told even Pinewood Studios were impressed by the setup. A new city. Cool. — Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) May 8, 2012   For more about Lucy's role as Lucretia on Spartacus visit the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Spartacus subsite or the AUSXIP Spartacus News and Multimedia Site     8 May 2012 Sword and Sandals Epic The Australian 08 May 2012 The following article appeared in The Australian newspaper 08 May 2012. PR for the show is pretty quiet so it's good to see something in the Australian media. Sword and Sandals Epic  The Australian 08 May 2012 The effects are spectacular, the battle scenes terrifically choreographed, and you'll see more exposed male flesh here than on any other program bar the wrestling. The setting is quite obviously New Zealand and a great many handsome Maori are knifed and dismembered as extras. There is, as well, the odd "fush and chups" accent moment, which is odd but not unforgiveable in a rendering of ancient Rome. The main reminder of the great city is in the candlelit bath scenes, where tonight Gaius Claudius Glaber (Craig Parker), the man who enslaved Spartacus in the first place, is seen chillin' wid his bitches. Or at least he would have been a couple of thousand years later. In the manner of these things, the women, generally wives and lovers and occasionally beautiful slave girls, have a bitchy, conniving world all their own, a bit like an ancient setting of Revenge. Glaber's wife Ilithia (Viva Bianca) storms about the place managing intrigues and the occasional tryst with a gladiator on the side. Tonight she gets to act out her Electra complex when she catches Daddy at it with that bitch Lucretia (Lucy Lawless). Meanwhile, Spartacus (Liam McIntyre) and a few scantily clad rugby forwards are clomping through the forest, their numbers ever dwindling as they are bumped off by sneaky Roman soldiers. Spartacus: Vengeance, Monday, 9.30pm, Go!   For more Spartacus articles, visit the AUSXIP Spartacus Press page     6 May 2012 Go Girls Anna’s hit new TV role - Sunday News 06 May 2012 GO GIRLS star Anna Hutchison will join the cast of hit American drama Spartacus for its third season. The 26-year-old Aucklander will play Laeta, the wealthy wife of a Roman official, whose life is affected by Spartacus’s growing slave rebellion in the New Zealand-filmed production. Hutchison is currently receiving good reviews for her role in the Joss Whedon bloodbath film Cabin in the Woods. She has previously stared in Shortland Street, Underbelly and plays Amy in TV2’S Go Girls. Local newcomer Gwendoline Taylor will also join the cast. Spartacus screens in North America, the UK and throughout Europe. Previously, Kiwi actors including Lucy Lawless, Craig Parker and Manu Bennett have appeared in the show. Production on season three of Spartacus is under way in New Zealand and is expected to air in 2013. For more Spartacus articles, visit the AUSXIP Spartacus Press page     4 May 2012 Olansamuelle's Draw Them All Comic Strip: Season 2 Episode 7 Season 2 Episode 7 - Sacramentum Spartacus and his rebels try to free the fighters enslaved in foreign wars; Lucretia recruits one of her husbands former gladiators. Click here to view See more of Olansamuelle's Draw Them All Comic Strip here     3 May 2012 Press Release: Spartacus Casts Three New Actresses For Season 3 PRESS RELEASE: STARZ ORIGINAL SERIES "SPARTACUS" ADDS ANNA HUTCHINSON, JENNA LIND AND GWENDOLINE TAYLOR TO SEASON THREE OF INTERNATIONAL HIT SHOW Beverly Hills, Calif., May 2, 2012 - Anna Hutchison, Jenna Lind and Gwendoline Taylor have been added to the cast of the hit STARZ Original series, "Spartacus," now filming season three in New Zealand. Hutchison will play Laeta, the privileged wife of a Roman dignitary who becomes entangled in the struggle against Spartacus. Her life and those of the ones she loves are forever changed by the conflict. Lind will play Kore, a loyal slave to Marcus Crassus (played by Simon Merrells), the Roman tasked to bring an end to Spartacus and his rebellion. Her deep feelings for her master will be sorely tested by spiraling events. Taylor will play Sibyl, a beautiful young slave rescued from Roman cruelty. Now free, she will embark on a journey that will touch the lives of key leaders in the rebellion. New Zealand actress Anna Hutchison recently made an international splash on the big screen in Joss Whedon's "The Cabin in the Woods." She is known for her roles as Delphi Greenlaw in "Shortland Street," Alison Dine in "Underbelly," Emilia Fife in "Wild Boys" and Amy Smart in "Go Girls." Jenna Lind, a classically trained actress from Sydney, Australia is known for her role as Maria Muhary in "Underbelly II." Her credits also include the hit series "30 Seconds," "All Saints," "Wild Boys" and Jonathan Teplinzky's dramedy feature, "Burning Man," which stars Matthew Goode. Gwendoline Taylor, also from New Zealand, was recently seen in the hit series "Go Girls." "Spartacus" stars Liam J. McIntyre as the title character and is executive produced by Rob Tapert (The Grudge, "Xena: Warrior Princess" and "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys"), Steven S. DeKnight ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer"), Sam Raimi (Spider-Man and The Evil Dead), and Joshua Donen (The Quick and the Dead).   For more Spartacus articles, visit the AUSXIP Spartacus Press page     Read More Archives