USA: Actress Lucy Lawless talks about her new series entitled, "Spartacus: God of the Arena"

Record ID: 581091

  • Title: USA: Actress Lucy Lawless talks about her new series entitled, "Spartacus: God of the Arena"
  • Date: 20th January 2011
  • Summary: NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (JANUARY 19, 2011) (REUTERS) (SOUNDBITE) (English) LUCY LAWLESS, ACTRESS, SAYING: "The prequel would never have happened if Andy had not got sick, we would have rolled right into season two. And in fact that's what we were preparing to do when we got the diagnosis, or he did. And we were all in complete shock. Everything shut down while we waited to hear what the short-term prognosis was. And they said he would have to go through treatment, but then he would be fine. This was really a stop-gap measure to keep the whole thing alive, keep the audience invested while Andy recovered."
  • Embargoed: 4th February 2011 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Usa, Usa
  • Country: USA
  • Reuters ID: LVA8PLV1SI09S0G19NIQM6MPLSMZ
  • Story Text: "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena," the highly anticipated prequel to Starz' hit original series "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," makes its U.S. premiere on Friday (January 21).
    The six-part series tells the story of the Champion of the House of Batiatus in a more ruthless time before Spartacus' arrival. As the prequel begins, Quintus Batiatus is the acting Lanista while his father is on an extended visit to Sicilia. Batiatus must not only survive the harsh politics of Capua, but also compel his hedonistic fighter, Gannicus, to embrace being a champion gladiator who will bring esteem and respect to the House of Batiatus.
    New Zealander, Lucy Lawless, plays the pivotal role of Lucretia, Batiatus' loyal wife, who is always supportive of his dreams, no matter how wild the direction they threaten to grow. Lawless says this role was a real test of her acting skills.
    "This was the job of my life. I feel like I'm kind of climbing Everest with this one. I feel like my best work is ahead of me. That's very exciting to, to feel that way," she said.
    Although labeled an action-adventure drama series, Lawless blushes when talking about the sex-scenes. She says that she even tried to ban her parents from watching the series.
    "If I could stop my parents from watching this show I would. I suspect they have seen it, but they're just not going to say anything about it to me. It never, never, never, never gets easier," Lawless told Reuters.
    The prequel is being released on the heels of the successful series "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," and is serving as sort of a place holder for fans while series producers dealt with an unfortunate event surrounding the show's star Andy Whitfield.
    "The prequel would never have happened if Andy had not got sick, we would have rolled right into season two," said Lawless.
    Whitfield, who was diagnosed with cancer, is not expected to return to the show.
    "In fact that's what we were preparing to do when we got the diagnosis, or he did. And we were all in complete shock. Everything shut down while we waited to hear what the short-term prognosis was. And they said he would have to go through treatment, but then he would be fine. This was really a stop-gap measure to keep the whole thing alive, keep the audience invested while Andy recovered," Lawless explained.
    Starz recently announced that Australian actor Liam McIntyre would replace Whitfield for the second season.
    "He was an early front-runner and plenty of people have come after the role, but he has beat them out and I think he is a good actor and that it's meant to be. And we're going to support him as best we know how," said Lawless.
    And while the show is said to have a huge gay and geek following, Lawless wont let the show get stuffed into any particular box.
    "Not just geeks and gays," Lawless says with a smile.
    "We're shocked how many women love this and older people. It's basically anybody who likes sex, who has ever enjoyed sex, and who isn't squeamish, likes the show. If you're squeamish by all means don't watch. If you're prudish go to bed early," explained Lawless.
    The second season of "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" is scheduled to begin shooting in April.
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