'Spartacus' renewed for third season by Starz

[ntscuser]

Starz has renewed the Spartacus series for a third season, before the second season has even aired.



The untitled third run is expected to start production in New Zealand early next year, while the second season, called Spartacus: Vengeance, will debut on January 27, 2012 at 10pm (EST).

"There is no denying the impact Spartacus has had in the marketplace with fans across the globe thirsting for the continuation of the epic tale," Starz Media Managing Director Carmi Zlotnik said. "Vengeance brings unparalleled action and drama to Starz viewers in January.

"We are thrilled to come to an early agreement that allows the writers and talent to get right back to work in preparing for season three."

Spartacus: Vengeance will mark Liam McIntyre's debut on the series.

McIntyre replaced Andy Whitfield, who left the series to receive treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma but tragically passed away at the age of 39 in September.