Whitfield was diagnosed with early-stage non-Hodgkin lymphoma last March 2010. He went to treatment and was declared with a clean bill of health by June. The hopes of shooting for the second season were dashed however when the cancer returned September. Due to this event, the production for the second season was delayed putting into question as to whether the series will go back to the small tube or not.
Starz network is said to be currently trimming down the list of actors who will replace Whitfield. Network President Chris Albrecht said, “We’re very confident where we are in the casting process of finding a lead actor to step into Spartacus’ sandals, though we will never be able to truly replace Andy Whitfield.”
A six episode prequel series entitled Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, which was shot while Whitfield was undergoing the initial treatment, will be shown for the meantime while waiting for season 2. Gods of Arena will start January 21.
