Starz is going ahead with a second season of Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Chris Albercht, president and CEO of Starz confirmed the news at the Television Critics Association press tour.
Starz had intended to do a second season when lead actor Andy Whitfield was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This caused delays in production while he underwent treatment. Things were looking hopeful for the second season when it was announced that he would not be returning as his cancer returned.
The second season is likely to go into production this spring but is not expected to bow until 2012.
Actors reported to be in the running for the lead include Stephen Amell, Aiden Turner and Liam McIntyre.
Albrecht said the casting process is nearing its conclusion though he declined to offer any news.
“We’re very confident about where we are in the casting process of finding a lead actor to step into Spartacus’ sandals,” said Albrecht, “though we’ll never be able to replace Andy Whitfield.”
