The network announced Monday that McIntire will take over the role of the legendary Thracian slave from the British-born actor Andy Whitfield, who starred the first season. Whitfield was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and cannot return to the series.

McIntire has appeared on Australian TV and was seen in HBO’s miniseries “The Pacific.” Production is scheduled to resume in New Zealand this spring. A six-part prequel that sets the stage for Spartacus’ arrival premieres Friday on Starz.