5 June, 2012 at 4:55 pm

Fans Blame Liam McIntyre For ‘Spartacus: War of the Damned’ Series Ending

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liam mcintyre in spartacus war of the damned 2013

‘Spartacus‘ fans are nearly as rabid as ‘Game Of Thrones‘ fans, so when it was announced that ‘Spartacus: War Of the Damned‘ would end the series that made the Starz Channel popular, they quickly jumped on the conclusion that Liam McIntyre was the cause and have been very vocal about it.

spartacus war of the damned stars liam mcintyre and ellen hollman
Yesterday, Spartacus fans were stunned when it came out that ‘Spartacus: War Of the Damned’ would be the ending for the series which literally put the Starz Channel on the map. Ratings were great for the return of the show with Liam McIntyre after Andy Whitfield’s death. Fans weren’t as hot on McIntyre but the ratings showed that he was doing okay, plus there was a plethora of great supporting cast around him, even if many of them like Katrina Law and Lucy Lawless were shockingly killed off. It was expected that Starz would continue this series until ratings really weakened not when it was still on such a winning streak.

Executive Producer and Creator, Steven S. DeKnight, took to Youtube (below) to explain their decision, but as with all Executives out of touch with the hardcore fans, it came off as if he had left out what really was the culprit. Fans immediately jumped on the conclusion that Liam McIntyre was the cause of the show’s demise as many have said he just doesn’t come close to Andy Whitfield’s stellar turn in the role. Fanboards have exploded with activity about this along with the video which has brought out the conspiracy theorists in droves. Our source over there had this to say. “We knew fans would be shocked, but don’t be surprised if there is suddenly news that there’ll be more Spartacus but only in mini-series form. McIntyre did a fine job on the show, but he’s not exactly what we expect to last for the long haul on a show like this.”

Below is the official press release that was put out yesterday.

Spartacus War Of the Damned Release
Beverly Hills, Calif. – Date June 4, 2012 – STARZ announced today the upcoming season of the international hit series “Spartacus” will be the conclusion of the saga. With a visual style completely unique to television, the franchise has amassed both critical and popular acclaim to become the most successful on the network and one of the highest rated programs in all of cable television. More than six million weekly viewers watched last season, “Spartacus: Vengeance,” which has amassed more than 2.5 million Facebook fans. Globally, the series airs in 150 countries in more than 15 languages.

“The fans have been tremendously supportive of our show,” says creator and executive producer, Steven S. DeKnight. “We did not come to this decision lightly. It was an extremely difficult and emotional decision for my partners and I. Yet, in the end, the story was best served by rolling all of the remaining action and drama of Spartacus’ journey into one stunningly epic season that will be extremely satisfying for everyone who’s been along for the ride.”

“Steven DeKnight, Rob Tapert, Josh Donen and Sam Raimi have made one of the most groundbreaking shows we have ever seen,” says Starz CEO Chris Albrecht. “’Spartacus’ is a landmark series for the network which has enthralled millions of viewers and fans around the world. We are in agreement with our partners in the decision to conclude the story after ‘War of the Damned,’ as we believe it is the best way to maintain the integrity of the series and secure its legacy. While everyone may know the fate of Spartacus, we believe this will be a spectacular season that will startle, amaze and honor the legions of fans.”

“Spartacus: War of the Damned,” currently in production in New Zealand, takes place following the defeat of Roman commander Gaius Claudius Glaber. Spartacus and his men have amassed major victories against the Romans after the Battle of Vesuvius. These victories have not only forged the legend of Spartacus, but have greatly increased the ranks of the rebellion slaves to more than 30,000. Rome is indeed beginning to tremble at the threat Spartacus now represents.

The Emmy® nominated series, already known for its groundbreaking production and visual style, has set the bar even higher to bring the story to its epic conclusion. This year, new sets will include the construction of a full city, a Roman Villa, and the scene of the epic battle along the Appian Way.

Airing in 150 countries, the series is considered an unqualified smash around the world, including Brazil, England, France, Germany, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Turkey, and more. The enormous international success has led to global licensing for a variety of rights, including: authentic prop replicas, publishing, soundtracks, motion comic books, trading cards, and a few more major deals soon to be announced.

In the US and abroad, the DVDs continue to be one of the most popular titles sold at all major retailers, appearing in the Top 10 of all TV titles sold.

The “Spartacus” franchise began its run Friday, January 22, 2010 with “Blood and Sand.” It was followed a year later with the prequel, “Gods of the Arena” (January 21, 2011). “Vengeance” hit the air on January 27, 2012 and “War of the Damned” is scheduled to air January 2013.

“Spartacus: War of the Damned” sees the return on Liam McIntyre (Spartacus), Manu Bennett (Crixus), Dustin Clare (Gannicus), Dan Feuerriegel (Agron), Cynthia Addai-Robinson (Naevia) and Ellen Hollman (Saxa). This year, Todd Lasance joins the cast as Gaius Julius Caesar, along with Simon Merrells, who will be playing Marcus Crassus and Anna Hutchison as Laeta.

It’ll be interesting to do another interview with Ellen Hollman before next season to talk about this shocker too. ‘Spartacus: War Of the Damned’ hits January 2013 and our source says, expect the blood, murders and killing off of major cast members to continue.
spartacus war of the damned new season starz promo poster

Spartacus Executive Producer/Creator, Steven S. DeKnight, Talks Wars Of the Damned

Fans Blame Liam McIntyre For ‘Spartacus: War of the Damned’ Series Ending – Best Movies Ever News

Shanka Cheryl

Shanka Cheryl

TV Editor/Writer at Best Movies Ever Entertainment News
She writes it as she sees it and many have the war wounds to show for it. When I say 'sources' unlike other sites, I mean REAL life sources!
Shanka Cheryl

@bestmoviesnews

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14 comments
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Feydakin
Feydakin

"‘Spartacus‘ fans are nearly as rapid as ‘Game Of Thrones‘ fans..." First off braintrust, the correct term is "RABID" not "RAPID". Secondly, I don't know who these "fans" are because most of the people that are fans of Spartacus thought that Liam did a fantastic job even in an impossible situation. I don't think it's possible and certainly not fair to blame any one person or thing for the decline of the show. However one thing I can say is it's not Liam's fault. This is the first time I've ever heard of this website and this is definitely going to be my last. Sensationalist, uninformed garbage...

Emilia
Emilia

"Executive Producer and Creator, Steven S. DeKnight, took to Youtube (below) to explain their decision, but as with all Executives out of touch with the hardcore fans, it came off as if he had left out what really was the culprit." Steven DeKnight isn't "out of touch" with the fans. He regularly answers fan questions on his twitter feed and just a few weeks ago did a Q&A. I also don't think Liam is to blame. No matter who they brought in, some fans would've still complained - that's just reality. I think Liam did a great job and he's done it in his own way, not trying to "copy" Andy's performance in any way but still honoring his legacy. Personally, I wish Starz or Steven would do a 4th season to flesh everything out, so they could explore storylines with the fan faves (like Nagron), or even if they did a few extra episodes. I don't know how they'll honor fan's desires to see those stories delved into, plus the war and the new characters, etc., in only 10 episodes. But I guess we'll find out in January...

WELP
WELP

3.5 seasons is more than enough. The story couldn't possibly go on any longer as it was anyway

scrie
scrie

Dear Shanka Cheryl, You know when it's OK to spread obnoxious claims about a talented, hard-working person? The answer is 'Never', but for the purpose of this exercise I'll let you in on a secret - it's when you can cite your sources. A further hint, since you look like you need education on the subject: the gray eminence otherwise known as Our Source Over There is about as citable as Some People on Some Message Boards. Stay away from both, learn to use 'literally' correctly and have someone proofread your articles. It might do wonders for your writing, although at this point I make no guarantees.

Judith
Judith

It wasn't easy to take on the role of Spartacus, after Andy's death, but Liam took it and did an AMAZING job. I loved Andy and I love Liam. THIS IS NOT THE RIGHT TIMING TO BRING OUT a NEWS LIKE THIS, DON'T KNOW WHAT THE HELL STARZ IS DOING, SERIOUSLY. The only thing I can say is that Liam doesn't deserve this crap.

RabidPlatypus
RabidPlatypus

I had to do a double take to confirm that I didn't accidentally stumble on an article written by a poorly educated high school freshman writing his first article for the student paper. This is one mess of an article. The "journalist" makes baseless assumptions of the fans of "Spartacus" and backs up his/her opinion with the "proof" that people on internet "fanboards" think Liam McIntyre is the cause of the end of the show. Bwah!? The author also claims to have a statement from our source "over there". Over where? The internet "fanboards"? At Starz? The imaginary leprechaun whispering in Yiddish in your warped mind? Also, how has Spartacus "literally" put Starz on the "map". Is there a giant corkboard under the Hollywood sign, showing the territory each network rules over,like some World War 2 era movie? Or did you mean they figuratively put Starz on the map, which would still be a gross error. Starz has been a well-run premium television channel for nearly two decades now. That Spartacus was one of their first successful journeys into original programming does not erase years of quality movie programming. I truly hope the person who authored this terribly written article isn't a paid for their "work". PS- How exactly are fans of Spartacus just as "rapid" as Game of Throne fans? Do they drive faster cars? Possibly ingest more caffeine than the average fan? Did they get struck by chemicals to give them super-speed, ala Barry Allen, thus making them more rapid? Or were they born a mutant, as was Quicksilver in the Marvel Universe? I would like to know the origins of their superior rapidity, so I can replicate the process and make myself a more rapid fan.

Einfach Mich
Einfach Mich

This is a ridiculous! I have been a fan of Spartacus from the start of Blood and Sand. I LOVE Liam. He has done a phenomenal job and all the fans who I talk to love him too. I think it's irresponsible, and somewhat lazy reporting to base an article on unsubstantiated rumors you found on a fan message board. Go to the right thread on the right fan message board and you could find rumors about how the Moonwalk was faked and that President Obama is an alien. You have no evidence to back up this theory, much less your incendiary headline. As an actually fan of the show I take offense that you would take ONE comment from ONE fan and shove it into the mouths ever every fan of the show. That person you quote doesn't speak for me or anyone other Spartacus fans I know. How about you focus on real news, uses legitimate sources and leave the rumors and hateful speculation on the message boards. Sincerely, Someone who will never visit this website again and will encourage other fans of the show to follow suit.

andrescoco
andrescoco

this is a big disappointment, and i don't blame Liam, quite the contrary, he did a brilliant job as Spartacus and filling Andy's shoes. But common, last season? really? We want more. All the fans want at least 2 more season. Blame it on Starz channel. 10 ep to represent the escape through the big region of Italy, isn't right.

Steven
Steven

no one could ever replace Andy Whitfield. Liam seems nice enough, but it's just not the same show. the thing is we know how tv shows are...if there's a buck to be made, they'll run em into the ground. so if everything's going so honky dory why are they cancelling it??? it's Liam. to the guy below who claims he's not seeing if on any boards, you might want to go outside of your usual ones because there's so many that think it's him.

Sammie
Sammie

Really? I'm a fan of the show, and I certainly don't blame Liam McIntyre. Nor do fans on any of the boards I've been reading. As for MrGreggl61's comment that "people left in droves"--actually, the ratings for Vengeance were 35% higher than for Blood and Sand (check tvbythenumbers.com), so that's nonsense too.

Horace
Horace

People never grow up. Its one thing to have an opinion but most are just hating on liam. He has done well in replacement of Andy. The man is in heaven. What's done is done. Liam has nothing to do with the show ending. This is about history. The war only lasted two years. Doesn't make sense to drag it.

Matty5
Matty5

You're all a bunch of jerks for writing this! It has nothing to do with Liam, the show is rating higher then ever. It's because Starz are bunch of idiots. Liam is an amazing Spartacus so back the F off haters

SpyengoEen
SpyengoEen

I'm not happy, Steve, I tell you that, I'm not happy... :( We WANT MORE!

MrGreggl61
MrGreggl61

The new guy can't carry the role. They tried but people left in droves. The show is disjointed and Liam just isn't believable. Andy was the show as was John Hannah. They look it all with them .