JUST ANNOUNCED! Spartacus 6-Part Prequel…
Our love for the Starz show Spartacus: Blood and Sand knows no boundaries around here. So it comes with great enthusiasm that I share with you all the latest press release I just received from the Starz network. I’m so excited about this news that I don’t even know where to begin, but I’ll try my best. Production on a six-part prequel will begin this summer. The prequel will feature Andy Whitfield appearing in two episodes along with Lucy Lawless, John Hannah, Peter Mensah plus other returning and new characters. This announcement results in celebration and joy for many fans, I am sure of it, and it also gives me another reason to post a picture of my favorite character, Mira (Katrina Law). Please find the full press release below that was provided to me from Starz today.
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Los Angeles, Calif. (NCTA Cable Show 2010) – May 11, 2010 – Pre-production is underway on a six-part prequel to Starz’ hit original series “Spartacus: Blood and Sand.”
Andy Whitfield, who played the title character in the series, will appear in the prequel briefly, but Lucy Lawless and John Hannah take center stage in this story of the rise of the House of Batiatus and its champions before Spartacus arrives as a captured Thracian slave. With the title still to be determined, the prequel will begin production this summer in New Zealand, and is slated to air on Starz in January 2011.
John Hannah returns as Batiatus, owner of the Ludus, along with his wife Lucretia, played by Lucy Lawless. Other returning actors include Peter Mensah (Doctore), Manu Bennett (Crixus), Antonio Te Maioha
(Barca), Nick E. Tarabay (Ashur), Lesley-Ann Brandt (Naevia) – and others. New characters will also be added – most notably the gladiator who was champion of the House of Batiatus before Spartacus or even Crixus – who will help fill in the story about the people and politics in the House of Batiatus and ancient Capua as a whole.
Production on the second season of “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” was postponed this spring to allow Andy Whitfield to be treated for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in New Zealand. His doctors indicate that the actor is responding well.
“The prequel story maintains the excitement and entertainment value of the first season of ‘Spartacus,’ giving audiences the engaging experience they’ve come to expect,” said Starz President and CEO Chris Albrecht. “We look forward to continuing the Spartacus story.”
Produced by Rob Tapert, Sam Raimi, Joshua Donen and Steven S. DeKnight, “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” was the highest rated show for the 18-49 demographic among all cable networks for 12 of the 13 Fridays on which it aired based on coverage rating.* The production team remains intact for the six-part prequel.
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Pre-order Season 1 of Spartacus today!
OUTSTANDING! Obviously the success of the series helped create a prequel. I wonder how long the prequel story was in the minds’ of the show’s creators.
That would be a great question to ask!
I’m in. Looks like And will need a lot more recovering time. Looks like season two probably won’t even air until this prequel hits blu ray.
Something is better than nothing, imo.