Liam McIntyre Starz in Spartacus: Blood and Sand Season 2?

While he hasn’t been handed the sword and sandals yet, TV Line confirms that Liam McIntyre is the current favorite for taking over the role of Spartacus in the second season of Starz’ Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Andy Whitfield, who played Spartacus in the first season, is currently battling cancer so had to step down from the role.

Starz president Chris Albrecht confirmed during a press conference at the Television Critics Association that a second season of Blood and Sand is scheduled, adding, “We don’t have casting news for you today, but are confident that we [will find an actor] who can ably step into Spartacus’ sandals — although we will never be able to replace Andy Whitfield.”

Spartacus: Blood and Sand is tentatively scheduled to air in 2012 but fans don’t have to wait that long to revisit ancient Rome because the six-episode prequel, Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, will be debuting on January 21st. This new story arc takes place five years before Blood and Sand so does not feature the character of Spartacus.

Will fans find the series as interesting without the title character? The series has a strong ensemble cast (check out the pics) so I don’t think it will suffer too much without Spartacus in it and the kick-butt trailer shows that Gods of the Arena will still have plenty to offer.