Starz just announced their SDCC schedule and the big news is that the new cast of both “Spartacus: Vengeance” and “Torchwood: Miracle Day,” in addition to returning stars, will be at the the show’s respective panels.
For “Spartacus,” this will be the fan’s first glimpse of new star Liam McIntyre, who is replacing Andy Whitfield from “Gods of the Arena.” Whitfield had to step out due to his battle with cancer but I’m sure attendees will be receptive to McIntyre if it means the continuation of the series. Its cult following is ever growing and the returning cast is also slated to appear.
For “Torchwood: Miracle Day” I expect nervous excitement as fans are really looking forward to this fourth series, but it’s also the first one mainly shot in America and adds a few new cast members, most notably Bill Pullman. The trailer had a pretty good response but they’ll be showing a lot more at the panel and fans will be quick to judge how it stacks up to earlier episodes. The full cast will also be present for this panel.
Here’s the full press release with all the details:
STARZ TO FEATURE ‘TORCHWOOD’ AND ‘SPARTACUS’ AT 2011 COMIC-CON ON FRIDAY, JULY 22ND
Cast of Highly Anticipated Series, ‘Torchwood: Miracle Day,’ Including Stars John Barrowman, Eve Myles, Bill Pullman, Mekhi Phifer, Alexa Havins, Lauren Ambrose and Writer Jane Espenson To Appear on Panel at 10am PT/Room 20; Special Advanced Screening of Episode 103 of Series on Thursday, July 21st at 9:30pm PT in Room 6DE
Liam McIntyre, Star of ‘Spartacus: Vengeance’ To Be Introduced to Fans at 5:45pm PT/Room 6BCF Along with Fellow Leads Dustin Clare, Lucy Lawless, Manu Bennett, Katrina Law and EP Steven S. DeKnight
For Immediate Release – STARZ will bring the casts of two of its most riveting original series, “Torchwood: Miracle Day” and “Spartacus: Vengeance” to 2011 San Diego Comic-Con on Friday, July 22nd, it was announced today. For “Torchwood: Miracle Day,” set to debut on STARZ, Friday, July 8th at 10pm ET/PT, the panel will feature: Torchwood alum John Barrowman (Capt. Jack Harkness), Eve Myles (Gwen Cooper), and new headliners Bill Pullman (Oswald Danes), Mekhi Phifer (Rex Matheson), Alexa Havins (Ester Drummand), Lauren Ambrose (Jilly Kitzinger) and writer Jane Espenson. Highlights of the “Spartacus: Vengeance” panel (slated to premiere on STARZ in 2012) will include fans’ first-ever opportunity to meet the new Spartacus, Liam McIntyre (Spartacus), along with stars Lucy Lawless (Lucretia), Dustin Clare (Gannicus), Manu Bennett (Crixus), Katrina Law (Mira) and Executive Producer and Head Writer Steven S. DeKnight.
On Thursday, July 21 at 9:30pm PT, the eve of the panels, STARZ will screen a never-before-seen “Torchwood: Miracle Day” episode entitled “Night of Dead” in room 6DE. This episode premieres on STARZ the following day, Friday, July 22 at 10pm ET/PT.
About “Torchwood: Miracle Day”: Premiering July 8 at 10pm ET/PT
Imagine a day when nobody dies. All across the world, nobody dies. And then the next day, and the next, and the next, people keep aging. They get hurt and sick but they never die. This is the extraordinary premise of the highly-anticipated STARZ original drama series, “Torchwood: Miracle Day,” produced by BBC Worldwide Productions for STARZ, BBC Cymru Wales and BBC Worldwide. The new series, premiering on STARZ on July 8 at 10pm ET/PT, features Torchwood alumni John Barrowman, Eve Myles, and Kai Owen and new headliners, Mekhi Phifer, Alexa Havins and Bill Pullman. Special guest starring actors in the cult sensation include: Arlene Tur (“Crash,” Eat Pray Love) and Lauren Ambrose (“Six Feet Under,” The Other Woman). The 10-episode, hour-long series will also feature an impressive list of guest stars: Wayne Knight (“Seinfeld,” Jurassic Park), C. Thomas Howell (“Southland,” The Outsiders), Ernie Hudson (“OZ,” Ghostbusters), Nana Visitor (“Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”), John DeLancie (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”), Mare Winningham (Mildred Pierce, George Wallace) and Frances Fisher (Titanic, The Lincoln Lawyer). The show’s original creator, writer/producer Russell T Davies, serves as executive producer along with BBC Worldwide Productions’ SVP Julie Gardner, with Davies also serving as show-runner. “Torchwood: Miracle Day” is produced by BBC Worldwide Productions for Starz, BBC Cymru Wales and BBC Worldwide.
About “Spartacus: Vengeance” (Premiering 2012)
From the time “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” debuted on Starz in January 2010, it established itself as an epic production with rich storytelling and visuals unlike anything seen previously on any TV show. Also starring John Hannah as Batiatus, Lucy Lawless as Lucretia, Peter Mensah as Doctore, Manu Bennett as Crixus and Viva Bianca as Ilythia, “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” was one of the most talked-about and best-loved TV shows of 2010. Season two of the series finds Spartacus and his fellow gladiators now out of Capua and engaged in the massive slave rebellion against Roman society that has echoed through time. “Spartacus: Gods of the Arena,” the six-part prequel that told the story of the House of Batiatus gladiator school, and the intricate personal, sexual and political maneuverings in Capua five years before “Blood and Sand” was set, debuted in January 2011.
In season two of the popular series, Liam McIntyre takes over the role of the Thracian warrior sold into slavery in the Roman Republic city of Capua – where he rises to become the champion of the city – before leading the slave revolt that ended the first season. The part was played in the first season by acclaimed Andy Whitfield, who was forced to leave the show due to health issues. “Spartacus: Vengeance” recently began production in New Zealand.
