Casting change announced for Starz' 'Spartacus'

[January 18, 2011]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Starz network says Australian actor Liam McIntyre will play the title role in the second season of "Spartacus: Blood and Sand."

The network announced Monday that McIntyre will take over the role of the legendary Thracian slave from Andy Whitfield, who starred the first season. Illness forced Whitfield to leave the series.

McIntyre has appeared on Australian TV and was seen in HBO's miniseries "The Pacific."

Production is scheduled to resume in New Zealand this spring.

A six-part prequel that sets the stage for Spartacus' arrival premieres Friday on Starz.

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[Associated Press]

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