Liam McIntyre replaces Andy Whitfield in Spartacus "We're all just praying for him," Manu Bennett, who plays fellow gladiator Crixus, said. "When the cancer has moved on as it has, it's a bigger battle for him. I can't tell you how deeply saddened it has been for all of us to know that our friend, our colleague, our inspiration has been given such a challenge. It's going to be a longer period of time before any of us know what is going to be the result with Andy right now. All communications would indicate that he's in very high spirits and that he's fighting this thing with as much strength as he fought [with] on the show."
In the meantime, Spartacus: Gods of the Arena will premiere the first of six episodes Friday at 10/9c. The series focuses on Batiatus (John Hannah) before his ludus becomes a contender in the gladiator tournaments and Crixus before he becomes a fighting champion.
