January 2012 Archives

Yes I have plagerised Star Trek's Tasha Yar. I love that holodeck eulogy so I'm using it (since my fandoms collided at the con..might as well go with the theme)

The 2012 Xena Convention is over and it was my final convention despite what Creation may or may not do next year. I suspect this the last convention for many other folks judging by the chatter.

Okay folks, this is it. I'm absolutely dead set tired but I figured you guys would want the pictures so I've uploaded them. A Report to follow when I can think straight.

- Photos of Lucy
- Photos of Renee
- Photos of Lucy and Renee

Character Profile Lucretia - Vengeance
Posted on: 30th January 2012

Learn more about Lucretia (played by Lucy Lawless) and how her character develops this season Spartacus: Vengeance new episodes Fridays at 10pm on STARZ

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Here's some interesting news about an upcoming Lucy project.

Assignment X has an interview with Lucy and Steven DeKnight about the new season of Spartacus but this following nugget was right at the bottom of the interview: Lucy will be starring in a Jane Campion mini-series in New Zealand called "Top Of The Lake"

AX: Do either of you have any other projects we should know about?

LAWLESS: I am going to work on Jane Campion's TOP OF THE LAKE [feature film] in New Zealand with Holly Hunter and Elisabeth Moss. I'm excited about that, a chance to work with an auteur director. Whoo-hoo!

The following is a press release about this mini-series (OnFilm)

BBC Two, UKTV Australia and New Zealand, and Sundance Channel announce Top of the Lake, a Jane Campion series from See-Saw Films.

Sydney, November 4, 2011 - The upcoming drama, Top of the Lake, directed by Oscar® winner Jane Campion (The Piano, Portrait of a Lady) and rising Australian director Garth Davis, will feature an esteemed ensemble of award-winning talent - SAG® winner and three time Emmy® nominated actress Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men, On the Road), Holly Hunter, Best Actress Oscar® winner for her performance in Campion's The Piano, BAFTA® nominee Peter Mullan (War Horse, Trainspotting) and AFI Award winning actor David Wenham (The Lord of the Rings, Australia).

The six-part miniseries (6×60, 7×50) for transmission in early 2013 will be co-produced by BBC Two, UKTV in Australia and New Zealand and Sundance Channel in the United States. Screen Australia, Screen NSW and Fulcrum Media Finance are providing investment and finance. BBC Worldwide will distribute the television series internationally and also wholly owns UKTV in Australia and New Zealand.

Produced by Academy Award® winners Emile Sherman and Iain Canning (The King's Speech, Shame) of See-Saw Films, and Philippa Campbell (Black Sheep) of Escapade Pictures, Top of the Lake is a powerful and haunting mystery about the search for happiness in a paradise where honest work is hard to find.

Set in the remote mountains of New Zealand, the story follows the disappearance of a five months pregnant 12-year-old named Tui who was last seen standing chest deep in a frozen lake. In this classic mythic struggle, investigating detective, Robin Griffin (Moss), must lose herself in order to find the missing girl. During the investigation, she collides with Matt Mitcham (Mullan), Tui's father, a local drug lord, and G.J (Hunter), a guru at a local women's camp. Robin will find this the case that tests her limits and sends her on a journey of self-discovery.

Writer and director Jane Campion said: "I am in love with the intense beauty of southern most New Zealand and am excited to be setting a story in this end of the world paradise. To be able to tell the story over six hours gives myself and my brilliant team a chance to make something truly absorbing and memorable."

Emile Sherman and Iain Canning commented, "We are so thrilled to be working with Jane Campion and the incredibly talented collaborators who have come on board this unique series. To have Jane turn her creative energy to longer form drama is further proof of how exciting television has become, a key medium for sophisticated and original storytelling."

They added, "We are also thrilled to be working for the first time with the BBC Two, who commissioned development of the series, as well as with UKTV, Sundance Channel and BBC Worldwide, all of whom have unequivocally embraced Jane's vision."

Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama Commissioning, says: "Jane Campion is a storyteller like no other. We are delighted to bring to screen an unforgettable landscape and characters who are unique, original and yet utterly recognizable - this is a story which will touch us all."

Says Deirdre Brennan, Director of TV for BBC Worldwide Australia: "Top of the Lake is a unique creative collaboration, a truly international project that showcases a remarkable production team, cast and location. It is an honour to play a part in bringing this landmark drama series exclusively to UKTV audiences in Australia and New Zealand."

The series, written by Jane Campion and Gerard Lee, will commence filming in February 2012 in Queenstown, New Zealand, marking the first production Jane Campion will film in her homeland since 1990's An Angel At My Table. Commissioned for BBC Two by Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama Commissioning and Janice Hadlow, Controller, BBC Two.

Despite getting a knife to the gut in Spartacus: Blood & Sand's season finale, Lucy Lawless' lascivious Lucretia is back, for better or worse, in Spartacus: Vengeance -- which kicks off tonight on Starz.

Roughly six weeks have passed since the events of that finale, but an entirely new Lucretia emerges in the episode as she doesn't retain a single stitch of her life. In other words, she's lost her mind. So part of the season two joy will stem from watching bits and pieces come back to her -- in obvious and subtle ways.

I caught up with Lucy to talk all about this exciting new season, what she's excited for fans to see and how the finale will make you view the entire series through new eyes!

Click here to read

If the Emmy Awards didn’t have such a glaring blind spot when it comes to recognizing great genre programming, New Zealand actress Lucy Lawless would have a slew of acting nominations and at least one Emmy statuette somewhere in her house. Unfortunately, Hollywood does look down its collective nose at shows like Xena: Warrior Princess, Battlestar Galactica, and most recently the hit Starz show Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Perhaps not coincidentally, Lawless has starred on all three of those shows, none of which has ever received the Emmy love which they deserve.

While fans of those shows might take offense at the oversight, Lawless herself is much more sanguine about the fact. Instead, she simply focuses on the work and enjoying the people around her. In anticipation of the third series of Spartacus, subtitled Vengeance, airing on January 27th on Starz, AfterElton.com scored time at last summer’s Television Critics Association press tour in Los Angeles to chat with the actress about that lack of Emmy recognition, playing the now demented Lucretia and much more.

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Spartacus Cast Web Chat 26 January 2012
Posted on: 28th January 2012

Spartacus Fans, get your questions answered live! Join us for a live web chat with the stars of Spartacus, including Liam McIntyre (Spartacus), Lucy Lawless (Lucretia), Viva Bianca (Ilithyia), Nick E. Tarabay (Ashur), and Steven S. DeKnight (Creator).

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Lucy Lawless Wears Bright Flower In Her Hair – W.E. New York Premiere Arrivals Part 2 Ewan McGregor was invited to the New York premiere of W.E., Madonna’s directorial debut. He was followed shortly afterwards by one of the film’s stars, Oscar Isaac, who plays Evgeni in the film. Lucy Lawless (Spartacus: Blood and Sand; [...]

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Good Day LA 26 January 2012
Posted on: 28th January 2012

Los Angeles – Actress Lucy Lawless, who is perhaps best known for her role as “Xena the Warrior Princess”… now plays “Lucretia” in Starz’s original series “Spartacus: Vengeance.” She joined us in studio today and talked about the show’s second season. Watch the GDLA interview video in the media player. Spartacus airs tomorrow night at [...]

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Lucy was on The Chew to promote Spartacus and take part in the cooking aspect of the show

Lucy Lawless On The Chew 25 January 2012
Posted on: 26th January 2012

Lucy appears on the show The Chew on 25 January 2012 in New York during the Spartacus Vengeance PR month.

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Viva was interviewed by The Huffington Post and she talked about Lucy. Here are some of the excerpts:

Viva Bianca: 'Spartacus: Vengeance' Princess On Ilithyia, Lucy Lawless And Sex Scenes

Huffington Post
25 January 2012

Viva Bianca's Spartacus: Vengeance" character Ilithyia has certainly changed since we first met her. She has grown from a mischievous schemer into an upper-class married woman, with a trail of devastation lying in her wake. We last saw Ilithyia two years ago in "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" as she sealed the doors, closing the pesky Lucretia Lucy Lawless) behind them.

Well, it seems that Ilithyia's best-laid plans didn't turn out quite as she wanted them to, and Lucretia is back on the scene -- more or less. The Huffington Post sat down to talk to Bianca about all aspects of "Spartacus: Vengeance," from the constant nudity, to Ilithyia's transformation, to working with Lawless.

Lucretia is back, and she's off her rocker. How does this affect the dynamics of the relationship between her and Ilithyia?
Ah, yes. loopy Lucretia. I know a lot of people talked about this character relationship in Season 1, but it gets even more intense in this second season -- more complex and even more twisted. The very fact that Ilithyia finds Lucretia, and she's lost her marbles when she's supposed to be dead, is a huge thing. The plan was, when Ilithyia sealed the f**king doors at the end of Season 1, anyone related to that house, including Lucretia, would be finished. But that's not the case, and really, for the first half of "Vengeance," Ilithyia is very cautious of Lucretia; because she's loopy, it's difficult to know if she's lying or not about being crazy.

Yeah, it was infuriating not knowing if she was telling the truth or not!
I think that's what makes the dynamic so great -- who knows which of them is telling the truth? [Laughs] We have this love/hate thing, and in "Vengeance" you really start to wonder if these two love each other or not. They're co-dependent.

Do you and Lucy ever throw down? Like, Australia vs. New Zealand?
Oh, yes. Aussies are so much cooler. No... but really, Kiwis are awesome people, and working with Lucy has been one of the best parts of this job. She's a pleasure to work with, a ton of fun, and she's really good at breaking the tension on set. She really shines in this role, too.

Click here to read interview

Lucy and Liam attended the premiere of Madonna's movie W.E. in New York on 23 January.

This blog has photos of Liam and Lucy. Click here to view the images

Check out the video

Lucy Lawless ~ Signs autographs outside "Live with Kelly" NYC, Jan 23 12 - high resolution images.

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Here's a cool photo of Lucy and Liam on Facebook when they were at WPIX New York for a radio interview today (25 Jan).

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The untimely death of “Spartacus” star Andy Whitfield — and the grace he showed while battling his illness — still resonates deeply with co-star Lucy Lawless and Liam McIntyre, the Australian actor tasked with replacing Whitfield as the gladiator drama’s titular star.

Lucy said:

“We fully expected Andy to come back. We wanted him to go through treatment, and in order to keep the show alive in the interim they hurriedly wrote [the prequel],” she says. “It was really a stop-gap measure to keep the ‘franchise,’ for want of a better word, alive while giving Andy time to heal.
“Unfortunately that didn’t happen,” she says. “Andy, bless him, came to love the crew and wanted them to keep working . . . so he said, ‘Please re-cast my part, I need to focus on my health.’ And he was so kind about it,” she says. “He was a very spiritual fellow. He came back to visit us when we were doing the prequel and I said to him, ‘I’d be so envious if I were you, watching your “family” carry on.’ He said, ‘I do feel bad, but I love [the cast and crew] so much.’ He had a lot of grace about that.”

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Added high resolution episode stills for Spartacus Vengeance Episode Stills for Episodes 1 (Fugitivus) and Episode 2 (A Place In the World)

Episode 1 Fugitivus
Spartacus learns that being a leader of freed slaves brings great responsibilities; Spartacus tries to keep his rebellious band intact.

Click here to view or click on the image above

Episode 2 - A Place In The World
Spartacus and his men liberate a Roman villa, but its slaves are wary. Oenomaus throws himself into the brutal Pits, and Glaber supports Lucretia's prophecies, despite Ilithyia's protests.

Click here to view or click on the image above

Added a few new images to the "Lucretia" gallery.

Click here for gallery

With its addictive combination of nudity, sex, action and plots even thicker than the blood spurting in its gladiatorial battles, "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" was a big hit for Starz when it premiered in 2010. But when Andy Whitfield, who played the title role, was stricken with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, the prequel miniseries "Gods of the Arena" was made in the interim in the hope that he'd recover. Tragically, Whitfield succumbed to the disease last September, and the role was recast with Liam McIntyre. "Spartacus Vengeance" premieres Jan. 27, with Spartacus spearheading a slave rebellion — and Roman troops under Gaius Claudius Glaber — the man responsible for Spartacus' wife's death — on a mission to crush it.

"It's not an easy journey, both interacting with the other members of the group and for him personally, a man that never really wanted this mantle," said creator/writer Steven S. DeKnight during promotion for the series that included a Hollywood premiere, noting that the reluctant hero transitions "from a more singular individual to, by the end, a leader of men, and that journey is very difficult."

Getting the role was just as tough. McIntyre had lost 45 pounds for another project and had to bulk up with a trainer and grueling heavy weight workouts to achieve a gladiator-worthy body, but the experience was worth it. "It was and still is one of the most exciting things I can even imagine, let alone have the privilege of doing," he said, though Whitfield's death hit him hard. "You can't imagine how sad that day was," he said of the moment news came to the set. "Andy's left the most amazing legacy you could possibly hope for and it's the reason I have a job now. It's such an honor to have such a big responsibility. I just try to work really, really hard at giving it as much life as I can in the way I find possible and hopefully the Spartacus character has the same spirit as Andy brought to it so wonderfully."

This season, the titular theme of vengeance "drives everybody and brings them together but it also tears them apart," said DeKnight. "When you have such a dark emotion as vengeance, your relationships with other people become twisted." That couldn't be truer than in the case of Lucretia (Lucy Lawless) who somehow survived the massacre at the House of Batiatus and seems to have gone mad — or is she crazy like a fox? Her relationship with frenemy Ilithyia (Viva Blanca) "will continue to be enriched, lots of ups and downs there, lots of skullduggery in the parlor. Buckets of torment are coming my way, and I enter into a relationship with a man that I never paid attention to before. In the end all of Lucretia's dreams come true," promised Lawless, who is an ambassador for New Zealand Greenpeace and is building a massive garden at her Auckland home.

Her co-stars weighed in on their own environmental efforts at the premiere. McIntyre pointed out his native Australia's "impressive emission standards and carbon trading and systems with rainwater" that he's always followed. Manu Bennett (Crixus) said he has recycling bins and uses eco-friendly cleaning products at home, but buys disposable diapers for his new baby, his third daughter. In "Vengeance," Crixus' goal is to find his slavegirl love Naevia (Cynthia Addai-Robinson, pictured right), and there's ongoing tension between him and Spartacus. "There are a lot of twists and turns" ahead, he promised.

Click here for full article

Actor Liam McIntyre in action mode as Spartacus

Betrayal, sword-fighting, romance, more sword-fighting, treachery and, yes, you guessed it, even more sword-fighting — just another day in the lives of the beefy, beautiful, cunning and often desperate characters in the upcoming STARZ cable TV series Spartacus: Vengeance.

Premiering Friday, January 27 at 10:00 p.m. EST/PST, Spartacus: Vengeance is the second season of and sequel to the popular Spartacus: Blood and Sand, which aired last year on STARZ. In its finale, "Kill Them All," Spartacus led a brutal rampage at the House of Batiatus that paved the way for a new and uncertain future for him and those around him.

Spartacus: Vengeance picks up just a few weeks after that massacre. Capua is in an uproar. The gladiators have escaped and formed an uneasy alliance. Spartacus wants revenge on the man responsible for killing his wife, but he will soon understand his life is about something greater than avenging Sura's death. His mission is to build an army, set free the slaves and topple the Roman Empire.

Spartacus: Vengeance stars Liam McIntyre, who takes over from Andy Whitfield in the title role of Spartacus (Whitfield was forced to leave the role due to illness), Lucy Lawless as Lucretia Batiatus, Peter Mensah as Oenomaus, Craig Parker as Glaber, Viva Bianca as Ilithyia, Manu Bennett as Crixus, Dustin Clare as Gannicus, Nick E. Tarabay as Ashur, Cynthia Addai-Robinson as Naevia and Katrina Law as Mina.

Last week, Liam McIntyre, Lucy Lawless, Viva Bianca and Peter Mensah (who joined the call later on) chatted on the phone with me and other journalists about their work on Spartacus: Vengeance. The following is an edited version of our Q & A (beware of minor spoilers). Enjoy!

Lucy, your character of Lucretia is crazy when the season starts and she comes upon Ilithyia, who's taking care of her. Lucretia doesn't really know that Ilithyia isn’t her friend and hates her. Does she find out Ilithyia’s bad side as the season progresses?

Lucy Lawless: Or does she find out mine? I don't want to give away too much. Needless to say, Lucretia and Ilithyia continue to have a very fraught relationship. My character has to work very hard to make Ilithyia care about her again, or at least need her, because Ilithyia just wants her dead.

Click here for full article

Hey folks, it's coming close to the convention and all the AUSXIP editing staff will be at the con - first time this has happened which is interesting. From Wednesday the site will be in skeleton staff mode. Updates will still occur but a bit later than normal.

I will be live blogging from the convention and you can follow directly on the AUSXIP Convention Page, on twitter or facebook.

This is going to be my last convention (whether Creation does another is up in the air judging by the poll they have on their site) It's going to be emotional and I'm packing the tissues. Let's all go out and have a great time, laugh and cry and then laugh some more. We are a family - sometimes a dysfunctional family but a family. The Xenaverse truly rocks and it's the best fandom I've ever been in or will be in.

Let's go party people!!

MaryD

GettyImages as a few videos of Lucy outside the Live with Kelly! studio. Lucy posed for photos and signed autographs for fans.

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Lucy and Liam attended The Weinstein Company With The Cinema Society & Forevermark Host The Premiere Of "W.E.".

GettyImages.com

Wireimages.com

You loved to hate her in Spartacus: Blood and Sand, and then again in Gods of the Arena, and now Lucy Lawless is back, somewhat the worse for wear, as the scheming Lucretia in Spartacus: Vengeance – which premieres January 27th on Starz.

We here at IGN TV had a chance to speak with Lucy Lawless a week ago at the TCA Winter Press Tour and talk to her about all the new and returning characters in Vengeance, the fragile state of Lucretia's mind and how Spartacus is a lot more like Downton Abbey than one might expect.

Oh, and by the way, you can watch the unedited first episode of Vengeance, "Fugitivus," right here, before it airs on Starz.

Warning: Bloody, naked Spartacus spoilers await you…

IGN: I hear the Lucretia gets a new love interest this season. Would you care to comment?

Lucy Lawless: [laughs] I think that's all you want to hear.

IGN: Is it someone we know?

Lawless: It's someone who's been in her life that she never really paid any attention to before. That we've met before, yes.

Spartacus Incest Nixed Due to Game of Thrones

IGN: Does this season top the two previous ones? Is it a challenge to out-do yourselves?

Lawless: It's not as if they all sit around thinking of ways to top themselves, but the show itself evolves. So, Lucretia, after this terrible trauma she's suffered, goes off on a tangent. So it's not more of the same, but it is ramped up.

IGN: But I assume that those who might tune in to see bloodshed and nudity won't be disappointed either.

Lawless: Doesn't matter even if they are. The quality of what they're shooting - the stories we're telling – even the nudity and the sex or whatever is always about advancing the story. And it's undiminished. So I don't have any fear about that or about people who might only be tuning in just for that. And I don't think there are many people who tune in only for that. You'd have to be a complete simpleton. But the people who tune in for that won't be disappointed. And the rest of the people who want complex, rich and rewarding storylines and wicked drama will also be extremely pleased.

Click here for full interview

Photos of Lucy Lawless looks after taping an interview on "Live! with Kelly" in New York City

Zimbio.com

@livekelly tweeted:

“Lol! Lucy Lawless and @druidDude in matching sweaters! #livewithkelly”

http://instagr.am/p/j7R8Y/

@MrGregCupcake tweeted:

Lucy Lawless with @frankdecaroshow today in the @outq studio. http://yfrog.com/kgc9fvzj

All men lose when they die, and all men die, Kirk Douglas famously said in Stanley Kubrick's 1960 film, Spartacus. "But a slave and a free man lose different things."

Fast-forward five decades and Spartacus: Vengeance, Starz' frantically paced, blood-soaked and over-the-top TV adaptation, is about to return with new episodes and a new actor in the title role. Spartacus is now a free man and very much alive but, as the de facto leader of a slave rebellion and the sworn enemy of ancient Rome, he's on the run. Like a trusty sword, the "vengeance" in the title cuts both ways. Spartacus, as played by Australian actor Liam McIntyre, wants vengeance for his dead wife, murdered at the hands of a duplicitous Roman legionnaire with the delightfully evil-sounding name of Gaius Claudius Glaber.

The Romans, for their part, want vengeance for the slave rebellion, which resulted in the deaths of numerous high-born Romans and their families.

This is not a tale that can end well - for anyone. To hear McIntyre, co-star Lucy Lawless and creator-producer Steven DeKnight tell it, though, that's where half the fun lies. Spartacus: Vengeance was made in the vein of its predecessor, Spartacus: Blood and Sand, and last spring's prequel, Spartacus: Gods of the Arena. Like those series, it's deliberately heightened and exaggerated, more like a graphic novel - and exceedingly graphic, at that - than a rote TV drama.

"In episode 1, the very first episode, one of the things we put up on the board in the writers' room was a sign saying, 'Brothel attack,' and you just can't go wrong with a title like that," DeKnight said, with a wry laugh. "We didn't want it to be simply a case of, 'Let's just go in and attack a bunch of guys and get some information.' We thought to ourselves, 'They should attack a brothel.'"

Click here for full article

Sex, violence, playing smart, playing crazy, getting naughty, getting nude, kissing butt and kicking butt.

When you're part of the cast of Spartacus: Vengeance, you have to be prepared for anything.

"And you'd better keep it real," said Lucy Lawless, who plays Lucretia.

"My inclination always is to make things schticky and funny. And you just have to sit so hard, particularly in the early days, on that urge.

"Because it quickly just becomes Meet The Spartans, you know?"

Lawless had a good chuckle at that, and she has plenty to smile about these days, with Spartacus: Vengeance debuting across Canada on Sunday, Jan. 29 on The Movie Network and Movie Central.

Originating on the Starz cable network in the United States, where it debuts two days earlier, Spartacus: Vengeance is a continuation of the series Spartacus: Blood and Sand, which first aired in 2010. Liam McIntyre has inherited the title role from Andy Whitfield, who tragically lost his battle with cancer in 2011.

As for her character, clearly the top thing Lawless has to smile about is the fact that Lucretia still is with us in Spartacus: Vengeance. For anyone who saw the orgy of violence at the end of Spartacus: Blood and Sand, Lucretia's survival was no sure thing.

"(Lucretia) quite rightfully has what today we would call post-traumatic stress disorder," Lawless said. "She has every reason to have had a psychotic break.

"And that was great, very challenging to play it, but I think I did all the wrong kind of research. Maybe to play crazy you don't actually have to go crazy. I think I did go a little bit crazy, just in the work arena. I didn't know where to put boundaries on my behaviour. I lost all my perspective and I really needed the director to guide me through.

"Anyway, it worked out all right in the end, but the season gets much more challenging than that in terms of acting."

In fact, having played an iconic TV character -- Xena: Warrior Princess -- in the past, it's her distinct lack of craziness that sets Lawless apart.

Frankly, while some actors struggle with their TV past and can be quite haughty about it, Lawless carries it better than any other actor we've seen.

Lawless has moved on professionally but remains completely comfortable with her honoured place in fanboy-geek culture. Not all actors exhibit such grace.

"Do other actresses get upset (when their past roles come up)? That must be exhausting," Lawless said.

"There are two elements there. First, I had a great time doing (Xena: Warrior Princess), it gave me everything, a husband, family, house, blah blah blah. So I'm really grateful for that.

"And also, I like you guys (media), so why would I treat you like that? You're hard-working, intelligent, pleasant people. What's not to like? So therefore, why would you pull a bloody status move on somebody?"

With such great perspective from Lucy Lawless on both her career and her character in Spartacus: Vengeance, let's hope Lucretia survives whatever orgies of violence are thrown her way for many years to come.

Source

Spartacus returns to our screens later this week with ten thrilling new episodes! Picking up where Blood and Sand left off, Vengeance follows Spartacus (Liam McIntyre, replacing the late Andy Whitfield) and his band of warriors as they wage a war to bring Rome to its knees.

We'll have an interview with new series lead McIntyre and the show's creator Steven S DeKnight later this week, but first, here's a Q&A with the scheming Lucretia - actress Lucy Lawless. Speaking to Digital Spy and other journalists, Lawless dropped a few hints about what to expect from the new season...

Given how Blood and Sand ended for Lucretia, were you ever worried that you wouldn't be back?
"Yes, they shot it both ways - one with me absolutely still and one with my finger twitching! I think the decision was made posthumously - they thought 'Let's keep her alive!'"

Lucretia doesn't get involved in the action scenes as much as Xena did - do you miss it?
"Not even a little bit! [The men are] sweating and grunting and they're covered in filth, and I'm asking somebody to peel me a grape - what's to miss?!"

Have you missed working with John Hannah this year?
"I do miss him, but I will say that I have the incredible Viva Bianca, who plays Ilithyia. She and my character continue to have a very tangled relationship - it gets juicier and juicier as the season goes on.

"Viva Bianca is a great actress, a great friend and a great colleague. Craig Parker plays her husband Glaber and he has us all in stitches - he's absolutely the funniest man any of us have ever met, [tied] maybe with Bruce Campbell.

Click here for full article

At the Art of Elysium 5th Annual Heaven Gala...

9:15 p.m. Lucy Lawless shares details of her January detox plan (no caffeine, booze, or sausages) with Ringer’s Ioan Gruffudd and his wife Alice Evans. Somewhere in the world, Gwyneth Paltrow's ears are ringing.

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Maria has sent in a couple of new wallpapers of Lucy.

Click on the thumbnail for the larger artwork

Access Hollywood Live guest listings for week of January 23:

Friday, January 27— Pet adoption with Lucy Lawless, musical performance by 2CELLOS, Fashion Friday

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I was on another interview call this time with some of the stars of the hit STARZ show Spartacus: Vengeance. Viva Bianca (Ilithyia), Lucy Lawless (Lucretia), Liam McIntyrie (Spartacus), and Peter Mensah (Doctore/Oenomaus) were all participants on this interview.

The interview seemed to last forever but was so much fun. There were no new information to come out of the interview but it is always good to hear the actors comment on their own characters and the show itself.

A question was asked for Viva Bianca pondering whether we would see more scheming from her character, Ilithyia. Viva Bianca responds with:

I think, you know, obviously what we all saw in season one was that Ilithyia developed into a more and more of a complex woman. So, you know, in turning into season two Spartacus Vengeance. Ilithyia has that whole recent history of really a guilty past. And a suitcase of treachery lies in deceit. So, firstly she has a lot to fight for and she's had a lot to fight against. And, you know, as people become aware in season – in episode one, Ilithyia lands right back at the place she so much wants to escape. So it kind of just, you know, ends of playing out as a fight for her life really. What’s so interesting in season two is that, because of the circumstances in which they both landed, they are forced into a situation of becoming a lot closer than they even were in season one. Which means a potential for drama and the unraveling of relationship revelation is so much more interesting. Really there’s a lot in store in too for this female relationship.

Someone asked Liam McIntyre how he felt about replacing Andy Whitfield as Spartacus. Liam responded with:

Well, I mean I'm very lucky in that I – the writing team is absolutely sensational, and that Starz is really supportive. So Starz early on said, you know, make the character your own, treat it as your own character. You know, that they didn't expect me to copy anything. I did watch all of Andy's amazing work. And so I don't know if any parts was osmosis or kind of like a kind of influenced me in any way. I can't be sure, but I mean hopefully because he was sensational. But I mean realistically I just tried to be true to the character which, you know, essentially stays the same. Because the writing is the same and all of that lovely humanity and those difficult choices and all that. Then that struggle that Spartacus goes through, it's still there this season. So I didn't get the honor of being able to treat that with respect and truth. And hopefully you have a character that feels the same as the great character that Andy portrayed.

Click here for full interview transcript

GUEST LINEUP FOR THE CHEW, JANUARY 23-27

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25 – “HOTTEST SHOW ON EARTH” — Lucy Lawless (“Spartacus”); Clinton Kelly’s tips on how to “spice up” some of your favorite cocktails.

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The Spartacus Premiere and After Party event page now online with new images, links and video clips.

	Premiere Photos by MaryD Ruth Roddis Kathi Mayer
	AfterParty Photos by MaryD

Photos from the afterparty:

Zimbio.com

Photos from the redcarpet:

Joits Photography
Hutchins Photo

"Spartacus: Vengeance" stars stepped out on Wednesday, January 18 to celebrate the impending premiere of the show. Putting on their formal outfits, the show's actors and actresses attended the event which took place at the ArcLight Cinemas in Los Angeles, California, where they also gave some tidbits from the new chapter.

The new Spartacus depicter, Liam McIntyre, boasted that he almost set co-star Manu Bennett on fire during the filming of a scene. Bennett chimed in, "He's always doing something like that. Whether it be fictional or real! No, it was a scene with a catapult and it involved a fireball," while creator Steven DeKnight gushed that it's a really important scene.

Clad in a simple green dress, Lucy Lawless opted to talk about how to keep in shape for her nude scenes on the Starz series. She said that she exercises three times a week, but "if somebody gains a few pounds," the crew will do some rework on the image of the said actor/actress during the post production. "If you've got scars, they airbrush them out. I'm loving the modern world," she enthused.

Also talking about doing naked scenes, Katrina Law shared that the people behind the show take the scenes very thoroughly. "They light you well, they pose you well, they do all this stuff with makeup and lighting and editing," she explained. "They really protect the actors on this show. If there is a bad angle, I know I really did something to piss someone off."

As for Craig Parker who has just had his first nude scene on the show, he claimed, "Watching all the other actors for the past two seasons - these wonderful, wonderful actors take their gear off and do it magnificently and look so beautiful, there is no fear."

Nick Tarabay, meanwhile, was willing to share details on the characters in general. "Whatever you think you know about 'Spartacus' or the characters of 'Spartacus', forget it," the Ashur depicter stated.

"Forget about what you saw. You're not going to hear about this from anyone else. The people that you love, you're going to hate. The people that you hate, you're going to love. And just when you think you've got it figured out, it changes again," he went on teasing.

"Spartacus: Vengeance" will premiere Friday, January 27 at 10 P.M. on Starz. The story takes place several weeks after the end of the first season, where Spartacus led a rampage at the House of Batiatus. In the new chapter, Capua is in an uproar and the gladiators are on the run.

Click here for more Spartacus Premiere photos

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Goodness gracious me. That was some night! I'm back from the premiere and the after party and let me tell you folks, it was seriously mega fun.

Firstly I want to say how much I adore Rob Tapert. Yes yes yes you all know this but tonight, he moved me so much with his words.

there was a couple of speeches before the show started and Rob came on the stage. He thanked everyone for coming, for the work Steven DeKnight and all the actors have done and then his voice broke. He spoke of Andy Whitfield. Rob genuinly loved this man and it showed. It was the first time I had heard Rob this way and it brought a lump to my throat.

During the afterparty I had another opportunity to congratulate him on a wonderful job and we talked about the speech. His voice broke again and I just found him to be such a decent man. I adore Rob Tapert even more after tonight.

And now to the pre-show - the fans were lined up from 9:30 am - yep that is not a typo and the first fan was Rachelle, a Xenite :) I must say that line looked very different from the usual xena lines! LOL!

The stars made their red carpet appearance - I was on the other side of the red carpet (actually black carpet but who cares) and waited around. Saw Lucy turn up looking SPECTACULAR, saw Liam, Manu, Katrina and Cynthia - I missed Viva's entrance. Then went inside while the stars were doing their thang in the front. My wingmen, Ruth and Kathi, were outside taking photos in the fan line. AUSXIP Reporters are everywhere :)

I got the opportunity to meet Jaime Murray (Gaia) and Marissa Ramirez (Melitta) - what beautiful ladies and so nice.

The episode is INCREDIBLE on the big screen and I have to say that's where it belongs. The episode lays the ground work for what is to come. Have a read of my episode preview/review for more on that.

The afterparty was a hoot. It was also very loud and you could barely see but a hoot. My first Hollywood afterparty and just fun. Standout moments were Rob, Lucy, Viva, shaking Steven DeKnight's hand, thanking for his evilness and incredible storytelling and then doing something I never thought I would do and that was going up to Peter Mensah and shaking his hand. For those that don't know, in 2009 I could barely say two words to the man without clamming up. It might have been because the place was really dark and it was easier to do but oh my goodness, he is a gorgeous man!

Lucy took time out at the afterparty for some photos with me and here are a couple. The photographer is Lucy - she just took the camera from my hand and with those long arms of hers and just snapped away :) Since I never post photos of myself on AUSXIP..you just get Lucy.

A special shoutout to Sharon Delaney who I ran into at the Guest Ticket area; she took me under her wing and basically showed me how things worked since I was a newbie at premieres and afterpartys. That was mega cool and it was nice to spend some time with her and Toni (who also works at Creation).

Well that is my report. Here are some pictures and there will be more photos tomorrow after I get some sleep!

With only nine days left before the highly anticipated premiere of Spartacus: Vengeance, we are happy to bring you another interview (click here to read our chat with creator Steven DeKnight) with members of the fantastic cast! This week I spoke to Liam McIntyre, Lucy Lawless, Viva Bianca, and Peter Mensah about the action-packed second season and all the drama that comes with it.

When we left Spartacus in season one, he finds a potential love interest in Mira (played by the beautiful Katrina Law). I asked Liam whether or not there was potentially a "love" growing between Spartacus and Mira this season, and whether or not that was even possible after all the pain he suffered after the loss of his wife.

"Who doesn't need love deep down? That is very true of everybody. That was a great thing to get to play with all year because in season 1 Sura said you will never love another person and thats kind of like a truism for Spartacus' existence. So he now has the problem, which is the real problem for everybody who falls under those horrible circumstances, can you ever love again?

I think Spartacus certainly wants to and he's going to try but I think it’s a very difficult thing for him to try.…not even move on but move into any relationship.

It's a constant struggle throughout the season."

I know a lot of people see this show and automatically think about the sex and violence that takes place, but what stands out to me the most is the relationships between the characters. One of my favorite pairings is that of Spartacus and Crixus (Manu Bennett).

At first they loathed each other but then they teamed up and used their mutual hatred for the House of Batiatus to bring about its demise! When season two premieres, they are each leaders of their own rebel groups who are fighting against the Romans. You learn quickly that, very much like brothers, Crixus and Spartacus of each others backs.

"It's one of the greatest parts of the season, Liam said. All the big dogs on campus, I guess all the alpha males of the ludus have a very difficult journey even just trying to get along because of the nature of who they are. So with Crixus and Spartacus there is a desire to work together but it dovetails and splits apart throughout the season and that’s true about other characters that appear in the rebel camp that are very powerful characters.

Part of the battle that Spartacus has is to A) want to lead them and B) find a way to do that and actually unify people. Until this day I still don't understand how one man managed to unify so many different cultures and creeds into one cause. I don't know if its ever been done before or since.”

Speaking of relationships, there is the also the odd combo of Lucretia (Lucy Lawless) and Ilithyia (Viva Bianca) who after all that has happened you would imagine have nothing left to say to each other. But due to circumstances far bigger than either of them, they must unite as one.

I asked Lucy whether or not her character finds out about Ilithyia's bad intentions?

"Or does she find out mine? I don’t want to give you too much, but needless to say Lucretia and Ilithyia continue to have a very forged relationship. Which is Lucretia has worked very hard to make Ilithyia care about her again or at least need her because Ilithyia just wants her dead."

Very early on in the season we learn that Ilithyia is with child and I wondered if this would make Lucretia even more crazy after the loss of her child.

"Lucretia's lost everything she's even lost her marbles so that is the least of her worries.”

Viva also gave me a bit of insight into the relationship between her character and Lucretia.

"With regards to Ilithyia and Lucretia, what's so interesting in season 2 is that because of the circumstances in which they've both landed they are forced into a situation of becoming a lot closer than they even were in season 1 which means the potential for drama and the unravelling of relationship revelation is so much more interesting.

So really there is a lot in store for this female relationship."

Don’t quote me you guys but I have a feeling that things might get a little romantic between these two girls! Lucy hinted that "love" might find her character again and with all the hints provided it seems that with Ilithyia in the situation she finds herself she might need some attention and affection since her husband isn’t really providing much.

But the big question of the season is (ok one of the big questions!) who is Ilithyia's baby daddy?!

"That is why you have to watch Spartacus: Vengeance! That is the big question on everyones lips, Viva said.

Lucy Lawless: Lucretia with a turkey baster!
(laughs)

Viva: "Thats the mystery, but all will be revealed eventually"

Finally, the fabulous Peter Mensah spoke a bit about the feelings that his character Oenemaus is going through at the start of Spartacus: Vengeance. We get to see some snippets of his early days in the House of Batiatus and how he came to be Doctore.

I felt like his character was feeling a bit conflicted or embarrassed that he had gone against the very people who gave him position but Peter explained what was really going on in his mind.

"I think actually it wasn't so much embarrassment at aiding the rebels as that he was caught between making the right decision at a set point in time which led him into a no win situation.

He knew what was going on in at the House of Batiatus ultimately was wrong so in the moment he assisted and did what he thought was the right thing and it kind of led him in to a no mans land.

Then the question becomes if you have nowhere to go what do you do with your life? And I think that is the biggest question he faces as the season starts. Not having an affiliation to anyone in particular..not necessarily believing in the cause, if there actually was one, he has to figure out what to do with his life.

So this season is a journey that he undergoes to understand and find a place in the world."

Next week I will be chatting with the beautiful Katrina Law, who plays Spartacus' love interest this season. She is getting some nice camera time with our boy Liam, so stay tuned for the juicy details.

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The "Spartacus: Vengeance" premiere took place at the Arclight Theater in Hollywood tonight (Jan. 18th) and Zap2it was lucky enough to nab a spot on the red carpet. We got to chat with the cast about nude scenes, intrigue and setting each other on fire. We even got some info on Craig Parker's (Glaber) favorite drinking game.

Peter Mensah, who plays Oenomaus talks to us about exploring his character's back story. "Three years ago, we didn't know that we'd have the chance to go back in time on our characters. I didn't know too much about where he'd come from. Getting to shoot the sequel was a blessing because I got to actually explore him. I think the audience gets to know him as a human being as opposed to this stoic, chiseled impassive character. This season, things fall apart and you get to see him as vulnerable for the first time." He says he can't say more than that or "they'll beat me up more than they already have!"

Nick Tarabay who plays fan favorite Ashur tells us that nothing is as it seems this season. "He goes from one level to another very rapidly ... whatever you think you know about "Spartacus" or the characters of "Spartacus," forget it. Forget about what you saw. You're not going to hear about this from anyone else. The people that you love, you're going to hate. The people that you hate, you're going to love. And just when you think you've got it figured out, it changes again."

Viva Bianca who plays Ilythia says her character is on a "roller coaster from hell" the season. "She's a princess fallen from grace. She finds herself living her nightmare." She says that the lighting people on the show are amazing and that they're very protective of the actors during the nude scenes. She said you never get used to them and that she's actually a very shy person. Nothing at all like her scheming character.

Star Lucy Lawless who plays Lucretia talked a bit about her workout routine, saying she exercises three times a week to keep in shape for those nude scenes. But, she says, "they fix us in post. If somebody gains a few pounds, they squeeze the image. I love it! If you've got scars, they airbrush them out. I'm loving the modern world."

Katrina Law, who plays Mira tells us that this is a great show to be naked on. "They light you well, they pose you well, they do all this stuff with makeup and lighting and editing. They really protect the actors on this show. If there is a bad angle, I know I really did something to piss someone off." We asked how they keep the lighting crew happy. "Give them a shot or a case of beer at the end of the week," she laughs

Liam McIntyre who took over the role of Spartacus from Andy Whitfield laughingly tells us that he almost set co-star Manu Bennett on fire. Manu jokes, "He's always doing something like that. Whether it be fictional or real! No, it was a scene with a catapult and it involved a fireball." He says it's in the final episode. McIntyre tells us there is no way we won't know what it is. Creator Steven DeKnight says that it's a really important scene, so that was all they could reveal.

Craig Parker who plays Glaber talks about doing his first nude scene of the series. "Watching all the other actors for the past two seasons - these wonderful, wonderful actors take their gear off and do it magnificently and look so beautiful, there is no fear." We joked about our favorite "Spartacus" drinking game, which involves a shot every time the word "accent" comes up. He tells us his. "I did invent a drinking game for this show. Every time, in the background, when there is a gratuitous breast or penis, you drink." We point out that you'd be drunk in five minutes. "Yes! You should all play," he laughs.

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Photos at:

Spartacus Facebook page

GettyImages.com

INF Events

Wenn

AP Images

Yesterday afternoon, Starz wrangled a few dozen of us bloggers and media types together in one conference call with four of the stars of Spartacus: Vengeance. Queueing us up in line, we got to ask Lucy Lawless, Liam McIntyre, Viva Bianca and Peter Mensah questions about the past, present and future of the show, those graphic sex scenes and whether or Liam likes pants. Yes, his preference towards lower body attire was discussed.

Many of the journalists understandably tried to get as much out of the cast as possible, to get as many of the unanswered questions answered now. Things like "Who's Ilithyia's baby daddy?" "What will happen with Lucretia and Ilithyia’s relationship?" and more overarching things like Spartacus finding love, the absence of John Hannah a.k.a. Batiatus and whether or not the cast would be down for a big budget movie after the series wraps.

The hot topic was Liam taking over for the recently deceased Andy Whitfield, the actor who played Spartacus in the first season, Blood and Sand. The general consensus from both sides of the call was not only did Liam work his butt off but he also brought humility and dedication to the role. The rest of the cast unanimously sang his praises regarding his work ethic and output. The actor himself was very humble in accepting the praise and the weight of the role itself.

A repeated phrase was Lucretia being "bat-shit crazy". Is she or isn't she? Lucy was very professional in stating "you have to watch the show to find out". She added that playing the character in that state was hard, "very hard". She felt the urge more than once to go the "slapstick" route but "had to sit on that urge". When Viva was questioned about who her "baby daddy was", she was also quick to say watch the show. Lucy however quipped that it was "Lucretia with a turkey baster". Now you know what kind of call we were on.

Click here for full article

After being part of an interview via conference call Tuesday with four lead actors from Spartacus: Vengeance, the upcoming third season of the series on Starz, Im even more excited for the premiere on January 27th.

The phone interview included stars Liam McIntyre (Spartacus), Lucy Lawless (Lucretia), Peter Mensah (Oenomaus/Doctore) and Viva Bianca (Ilithyia). They talked about their characters, gave hints to the upcoming season and spoke about what it's like filming all that sex and violence. (Hint: not as much fun as it looks onscreen.)

For those impatient people, you can watch the first episode free on Facebook on this Friday, January 20th.

The real fun of the interview for me wasn't the minor spoilers for the upcoming season or hearing the actors answers the questions. It was the easy banter between the four of them.

They seemed relaxed and comfortable with each other, sometimes even answering questions by starting a conversation among themselves. It made for an enjoyable time on the other hand and made me wish I could’ve been sitting in a bar having a good time talking about the show with them.

(Also, Liam McIntyre gives great phone voice. I have a thing for voices. This was sorta like the Aussie version of Alan Rickman. But I digress….)

For those awaiting season three eagerly, some broad hints were offered.

McIntyre, who bantered through much of the interview, became serious when talking about the responsibility of taking over the role of Spartacus from the late Andy Whitfield. McIntyre said he was a fan of the show even before he auditioned and what he wanted most to do was be true to the character that Whitfield created.

"I watched all of episodes countless times. I felt like I got Spartacus as he portrayed him. To me was important to continue as that character." In that, McIntyre said he was lucky because the writers ensured that would be the case.

"I've been given this great honor to carry on this great legacy."

He said Spartacus' main challenge this year is to move past his vengeance and dedicate himself to a higher cause. Eventually, he has to become the person who melds his disparate group into a real fighting force that can challenge the power of Rome.

In response to a question about whether Spartacus could fall in love again with Mira, the former slave who aided in freeing them all, McIntyre said that’s something Spartacus struggles with as well.

"Who doesn't need love deep down? He certainly wants to love again and he's going to try but it’s a constant struggle throughout the season."

Click here for full article

Spartacus fans, get your questions answered live, January 26 10p ET / 7p PT!

Join us for a live web chat with the stars of Spartacus, including Liam McIntyre (Spartacus), Lucy Lawless (Lucretia), and Steven S. DeKnight (Creator). You have 30 minutes to pose your questions and get the answers you've been waiting to hear, live.

You can also submit your questions in advance by posting them on this Event wall and increase your chance of getting the answer live during the web cast.

Make sure you RSVP to this rare event, then return on January 26 to watch it live.

To miss it would be an insult to the brotherhood.

Lucy attended the TEDMED 2011 conference in San Diego last October.

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Submitted by Barbara Davies

Members of the cast(Lucy, Liam, Peter, Viva) took part in a conference call with press today. Here's some of the tweets sent out during it:

From @CorrinaLawson:

Illythia & Lucretia have a "very fraught relationship," "closer than season 1"

who is illythia baby daddy? Lawless: Lucretia w/a turkey baster. :)

"all that lovely humanity that spartacus struggled w/last season is still there." Liam

Viva: this show--karma bites everyone in the ass. There's going to be a real journey for her in s2

Lucy: "nudity is inhibiting.."

"to this day, don't understand how one man unified so many diverse characters for a cause." Liam

From @NicoleWakelin

The cast just called Lucy Lawless "a proper girlie-girl" who wants no part of the stinky fighting scenes. Bahaha! #spartacus

Cast Consensus: pants are over rated. #spartacus

Lucy "We're kind of making a movie every week." #spartacus

Preview/Review of Spartacus Vengeance
Episode 1

By MaryD

I'm writing this preview from my balcony of my hotel in the coolish sunny day in Los Angeles after having watched the screener of the first episode of Spartacus: Vengeance from the Starz Press Kit.

We last saw Spartacus and his gladiators in the fantastic season finale Kill Them All where Spartacus brought about the death and destruction of the house of Batiatus.

We flash forward to Spartacus: Vengeance and the aftermath of that rebellion. Starz has the following outline of what is to transpire in this series:

On the heels of the bloody escape from the House of Batiatus that concluded "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" the gladiator rebellion continues and begins to strike fear into the heart of the Roman Republic in "Spartacus: Vengeance" Gaius Claudius Glaber and his Roman troops are sent to Capua to crush the growing band of freed slaves that Spartacus leads before it can inflict further damage. Spartacus is presented the choice of satisfying his personal need for vengeance against the man that condemned his wife to slavery and eventual death, or making the larger sacrifices necessary to keep his budding army from breaking apart. Containing all of the blood-soaked action, exotic sexuality, and villainy and heroism that has come to distinguish the series, the tale of Spartacus resumes in epic fashion.

The first episode is called Fugitivus and the log line is: Spartacus learns that being a leader of freed slaves brings great responsibilities; Spartacus tries to keep his rebellious band intact.

Read Preview by MaryD

"Spread word to every slave that even the mighty republic bleeds when struck!" — Spartacus

After nearly two years, history's most famous rebel is returning to Starz on Friday, January 27 in Spartacus: Vengeance; the next chapter in the epic journey that chronicles Spartacus' transformation from an enslaved warrior into a legendary hero who is remembered even to this day.

"People respect Spartacus because he is decisive, honorable and not afraid to enact change," said Liam McIntyre, who has stepped into the iconic title role for "Spartacus: Vengeance." "He is about to embark on a journey where he has to embrace leadership and responsibility for the lives of those following him. He is prepared to sacrifice anything for what he believes in, and to protect what’s right."

During the events of "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," Spartacus was captured and sold as a slave to Quintus Lentulus Batiatus (John Hannah); who had Spartacus trained to fight in the gladiatorial games alongside all of the other warriors in his ludus. Despite Spartacus' rise to become the champion of the House of Batiatus, his master reneged on his promise to reunite Spartacus with his wife, Sura (Erin Cummings) by ensuring that she was mortally wounded.

Eventually Spartacus convinced his fellow gladiators to rise up against Batiatus in a bloody struggle which allowed Spartacus to slay his master before promising to all who joined him that they would make Rome tremble. However, that promise was easier said than done.

"I really love to throw our characters into complicated problems right off the bat," related "Spartacus" creator and executive producer, Steven S. DeKnight. "This is not Robin Hood and his Merry Men."

Click here for complete article and to view video preview

Even though Lucy Lawless had jetlag and her voice was bordering on laryngitis, I got to speak with her for a few moments following the panel for Spartacus: Vengeance at the 2012 TV Critics tour.
As the story continues, her character, Lucretia, has miraculously lived through the bloody, and I mean bloody, escape of the gladiators from the House of Batiatus that concluded Spartacus: Blood and Sand, in which her husband, Batiatus (John Hannah), was subjected to a gruesome death. As Season Two begins, Lucretia is on the verge of madness as she attempts to put her live together following the death of her husband.
Lucy spoke about what we can expect for Lucretia this season, and of the death of Andy Whitfield from non-Hodgkin lymphoma, who played Spartacus in the series' First Season.

How did John leaving the series this year change the trajectory of Lucretia's character?
That's a good point, because he was the thing that propped her up in life. The central pole in the circus tent was him. And now she's scrambling about looking for any alliance that will keep her alive.
I think you're right. That's everything to her.

When your character comes back, we don't actually know how she survived the gladiator's escape. Is that something that is going to be revealed?
Yes, that will be explained, I think in episode three.

She was very manipulative in the first season, is that something we're going to see this season, because the first two episodes she's crazy.
No, now it's all about keeping alive. (burst into the Bee Gee's hit Staying Alive).

Does her alliance at the end of episode two lead to her being herself once again?
I think that certainly jogs her memory. She knows that he was associated with her husband from another time. It's safe to say that pretty soon she's the Lucretia we know and love.

Are your favorite scenes coming in this series with Viva Bianca? It seems like Lucretia and her character, Ilithyia were just made for each other.
It does seem that way, yeah. Well, the torment does continue, though there's all fresh love and torments when I enter into a relationship with a man that I never paid attention to before.
There are buckets of torment coming my way. Somebody falls in love with Lucretia, and I will tell you, through all of the trials and tribulations that in the end all of Lucretia's dreams come true.

What's the biggest difference between the Lucretia we see this season versus the Lucretia we saw in the first season?
Softer, gentler Lucretia. What? That's not funny. She is. For about two seconds, she really is. And that's very unnerving for her good friend, Ilithyia, who doesn't have a lot of faith in Lucretia. And that relationship will continue to be enriched, lots of ups and downs there, lots of skullduggery in the parlor.
But the writers are really rude to me this year. They are really rude. Usually, they are just cruel. Now they are rude and cruel. It's cruel and unusual punishment, but as an artist I just loved it. I really did. They put me through the ringer this season, and I'm so grateful.

Can you talk about what it was like going back to work after you heard about Andy's passing?
The first time all the cast and crew were back together since he died, we all had a little collective sigh as we released that chapter of the show and went about the business of making the next season.
Our initial thing was really only [our] concern about Andy and the journey he's about to embark on. It's only about his family, isn't it, it's not about us.

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More at the following sites:

GettyImages.com
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Klippart has sent in a new Spartacus wallpaper..."Lucretia Rising"

Click on the thumbnail for the larger artwork

Added high resolution images of Lucy as Lucretia from the Spartacus Vengeance Press Kit courtesy of Starz Entertainment.

Click here to view larger images

Thanks to Klipp for image

While the first two episodes of Spartacus: Vengeance have been sent out to critics already, at the TCA (Television Critics Association) press tour today, we actually were shown a scene from the fifth episode of the season – what we were told was just a piece of a much larger, twelve minute sequence. Without going into super spoilery specifics, I will say it involves the return of Gannicus from Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, almost the entire main cast of the series, and involves copious amounts of bloodshed (of course) and some very big action beats, involving large crowds and plenty of destruction. In short: it was awesome.

During the Q&A that followed, executive producer Steven DeKnight noted they always want to make things big and bold on Spartacus. In the first episode of Vengeance, when Spartacus needs information, he and his men need to attack a brothel. Laughed DeKnight, "Brothel attack! And you just can't go wrong with a title like that. There's a very emotional story that goes with that. But you just don't want to go in and attack some guys and get some information. You want to attack a brothel!"

New Spartacus star Liam McIntyre recalled his long process getting the role and how it was an "exciting time." McIntyre had just lost 45 pounds for another project, and so had a lot of work to do to prove he could bulk up for the role. He was given a military trainer and began a massive workout regimen, still not knowing he absolutely had the role. After about three or four months, he finally got the call that the role was his. "They finally put me out of my misery and said, 'Keep training… It was like nothing I'd ever experienced before."

Lucy Lawless is back as a very damaged Lucretia, and the actress said that for her character, "The torment does continue." She said that Lucretia has "Fresh torments when I enter into a relationship with a man I never paid attention to before," before coyly adding, "Lucretia's dreams come true."

As Lawless noted, this is seemingly, "a softer, gentler Lucretia, which is very unnerving for Ilithyia. There's lots of ups and downs there. Lots of skullduggery." She laughed, "The writers were really rude to me this year. Cruel and unusual punishment. As an artist, I loved it. They put me through the ringer this season and I'm so grateful."

McIntyre said he was having "so much fun" as Spartacus, saying it was easy to tap into childhood memories of playing, in a role where he's, "Fighting the battle for the good and just cause in the world."
McIntyre noted that Spartacus is a natural leader, and he and DeKnight said that Vengeance would find Spartacus really finding himself figuring out that role, with DeKnight remarking, "that journey is very difficult."

Obviously, the tragic death of original Spartacus star Andy Whitfield weighs heavily for everyone on the show. McIntyre said it was, "the saddest thing I've ever had to be a part of," noting that initially he only felt comfortable taking over the role from Whitfield, because, "I knew he'd get better."

McIntyre recalled the day the cast and crew were given the news on set, noting, "I'd never seen a sadder person than producer who had to pass that news on." McIntyre remembered Whitfield telling him in an email, after he got the role, that the Spartacus cast and crew were like a family, and how he felt the truth of that in the wake of Whitfield's death. He said that after everyone mourned, the general feeling was, "We owe Andy the respect to do the best job we can. Let's come together and do the best damn show we can."

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"Spartacus: Vengeance" is about to return with it's third season and a new star. After star Andy Whitfield's battle with cancer, the role of Spartacus was re-cast with Liam McIntyre. He's taken over the role with a passion and we got to hear about his experience at the Winter Press Tour in Pasadena, CA. Along with McIntyre, Lucy Lawless and show runner Steven DeKnight let us in on secrets from Season 3.

Before his death, Whitfield gave his blessing to McIntyre, telling him that this is "a family." McIntyre, who had to train for months before they let him know he had the part, said that it really is and that he'd be embraced by the cast. "It's probably the saddest thing I've ever had to be part of. From the start, I was able to tackle the role ... he made his choice to get better," said McIntyre. He said he'd never seen a sadder producer than the day they told the cast about Andy's passing.

On a happier note, we have some incredibly impressive stunts and set pieces to look forward to this year.It all starts with an impressive slaughter scene in a brothel in the first episode. DeKnight said, "In the writers' room, we had the title, 'Brothel attack.' You just can't go wrong with a title like that." We were treated to a scene from episode 5 where the rebels set a fire underneath the arena and the entire thing collapses, killing hundreds. Oh, and there are intestines pulled out of someone's guts. We love this show! McIntyre does too, calling himself a fan boy. He said, "The first four months there wasn't a moment that I didn't smile incredulously at the opportunity I had."

Lawless told the crowd that Lucretia has some major torment coming her way. ""Buckets of bloody torment," she said. Still, Lucretia isn't going to fall apart. She said, "Somebody falls in love with Lucretia. In the end, all her dreams come true. She enters into a relationship with someone she never noticed before." We can't wait to see who that is. Anyone want to speculate? But don't worry. She's still the crazy woman we know and love. She called character a "softer, gentler Lucretia." The crowed laughed and she replied, "That's not funny. For about 2 seconds, she is."

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PASADENA, Calif.-- Starz's "Spartacus: Vengeance" returns on Jan. 27 with a major change: A new actor steps into Sparty's sandals following the sickness and death of original star Andy Whitfield.

Liam McIntyre, who resembles a younger and less beefy Whitfield, capably takes over the role.He recalls the day in September when "Spartacus" was in production and the cast and crew learned of Whitfield's passing.

"That's probably the saddest thing I've ever had to be part of," McIntyre said. "From the start I think I was able to tackle the role because I knew he'd get better. I made that decision for myself. He'd made the choice to get better and that was fantastic. I've never seen a sadder person than the producer who had to come down and pass that news down to what's like a family. You can't imagine how sad that day was. Part of the triumph of the team was coming together after a little bit of downtime to say, 'We owe Andy the respect to do this job the best we can. Let's come together and do the best damn show we can.' We pulled ourselves together and did excellent work until the end of the season. What else can you do, right?"

McIntyre didn't get the role immediately. He had to bulk up and prove to Starz executives he could achieve a Spartacus look. When he did, they eventually gave him the part.

As season two begins, Spartacus finds himself in a new role.

"He gets a sense of having to embark on that journey that is the journey of Spartacus which is the slave rebellion that's starting now," McIntyre said.

And it's not a comfortable fit.

"One of the things I love exploring is how he precipitates the beginning of this rebellion," said executive producer Steven S. DeKnight. "Things are not going well interacting with members of the group. For him, personally, as a man who never wanted this mantle, this season we move Spartacus from a more singular individual to a leader of men, and that journey is very difficult."

And it becomes a fairly awesome journey, judging by a scene Starz executives showed from episode five when a major rebellion initiative comes to fruition in a shocking, destructive way. (My review of the first two episodes runs in TV Week on Jan. 22.) But there are also personal stories.

"Somebody falls in love with Lucretia," Lucy Lawless says of her scheming character. "In the end all of Lucretia's dreams come true."

Not sure I buy that.

"She's a softer, gentler Lucretia," Lawless said. "For about two seconds. ... There's a lot of skullduggery in the parlor."

That I will buy.

"The writers were really rude to me," Lawless continued. "Usually they're just cruel. This year they were rude. It's cruel and unusual punishment. But as an artist I just loved it. They put me through the ringer this season and for that I'm grateful."

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A talented and diverse group of women will join Kelly Ripa as guest co-hosts on "LIVE! with Kelly" the week of January 23-27, 2012.

January 23, 2012 - Previously-announced Kim Kardashian leads off the week as Kelly and Kim welcome actress Lucy Lawless and "Glee" actor Kevin McHale.

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Steven is interviewed by Cinema Blend and there is some spoilerish details about Lucretia

(Spoiler)Big fan of Lucy Lawless since Xena days, of course I love the Raimi/Tapert, but how has her insanity presented any new avenues or challenges in writing?

Well, the tricky part is, you know, you can't have a character be bat shit crazy for the entire season like that. All right. That's a shtick that gets old fast. So it was transitioning her into lucidity where she starts off obviously very, very, very damaged and broken and watching how she puts the pieces back together and tries to reclaim her life is really the juicy part of the storyline. And Lucy of course does it so brilliantly. I've been a big fan of hers, too, since the Xena days and am still thrilled and impossibly shocked that she's one of the stars of our show.
(End Spoiler)

Read full interview

Posted by savagekate:

"MS with Xena Warrior Princess...I swear we are working!"

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@mrcjdawson tweeted:

Missed my chance to get a picture with Eliza Dushku but got one with Lucy Lawless http://t.co/dh3A3uIN

Rittenhouse Archives is releasing a new set of Spartacus cards.

This all-new series will feature cards based on the original
Spartacus: Blood and Sand as well as the prequel,
Spartacus: Gods of the Arena with 2 Autograph Cards per pack!

CHECKLIST INCLUDES

Autograph Cards: (Spartacus: Gods of the Arena): Lucy Lawless (Lucretia), Jaime Murrary (Gaia), John Hannah (Batiatus), Manu Bennett (Crixus), Dustin Clare (Gannicus), Craig Walsh Wrightson (Solonius), Temeura Morrison (Doctore), Jeffrey Thomas (Titus), Jessica Grace Smith (Diona), Stephen Lovatt (Tullius), Shane Rangi (Dagan), Peter Feeney (Quintillius Varis); (Spartacus: Blood & Sand): Lliam Powell (Numerius), David Austin (Medicus), John Bach (Magistrate Calavius), Reuben de Jong (Theokoles) and more! (2 autographs cards per Premium Pack)

18 Spartacus: Gods of the Arena Episode Synopses Cards, 3 cards per episode (2 cards per Premium Pack)

9 Gladiators In Action Cards (1 card per Premium Pack)

9 Battle for Freedom Cards (1 card per Premium Pack)

9 Spartacus: Vengeance Preview Cards (1 card per Premium Pack)

9 Women of Spartacus Cards (1 card per Premium Pack)

12 Spartacus Gold Plaque Cards (1 card per Premium Pack)

Product Configuration:
9 Cards Per Premium Pack
15 Packs Per Box

Box Topper:
Andy Whitfield (1972-2011) In Memoriam Card
2-Box Incentive:
Andy Whitfield (Spartacus) Relic Card
4-Box Incentive:
Peter Mensah (Doctore) Autograph Card
8-Box Incentive:
SPARTACUS 2012 Premium Pack Archive Box, including
a complete master set of all pack-inserted cards.

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Microsoft may be ending (for now) its CES attendance with the 2012 show this week, but at least before the company removes its exhibit space for good it got a couple of interesting visitors to drop by. As posted on Microsoft's Facebook site, actress Lucy Lawless and Segway creator Dean Kamen are shown above Microsoft's Surface 2.0 table with Microsoft's Steve Clayton.

We have no idea how the maker of the Segway and the actress who played in the great TV show Xena Warrior Princess and the even better (and very gory) Starz series Spartacus would be in the same place at the same time but hey, that's the magic of CES for you.

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Hey folks,

RightO! I'm off on my annual holiday and this time I'm trekking across the pond to the US for a few weeks to catch up with mates, attend the 2012 Final Journey Xena Convention and just have a great time!

While I'm away, Lori will be taking over and updating AUSXIP and the rest of the sites. I'm looking forward to watching the Spartacus premiere (I'll have a review/preview of the first two episodes next week).

ALL the AUSXIP staff will be at the Xena Convention so I'll pop in by live blogging the convention with news, photos and other assorted goodies; you can follow this on AUSXIP or twitter and facebook. It's going to be mega fun and mega emotional.

Spartacus is going to be HUGE and the Xena Con will be INCREDIBLE!

I'll be back on board around 8th Feb!

Battle On!

MaryD

The Women of Spartacus looks at the powerful women that will shape Spartacus: Vengeance: Lucretia, Ilithyia, Mira and the new character Seppia.

The Electric Playground has released an interview they did with Lucy and Steven at the 2011 Comic Con in July.

Here is another Lucy promo photo from photographer Michael Muller at Starz. You can find his images on his site

Lucy and Liam will be in New York on 23 - 24 January to promote Spartacus: Vengeance according to the Celebrity Service International site.

So far in the Spartacus PR schedule (that has been announced)

18 January - Spartacus Premiere in Los Angeles

23/24 January - Interviews in New York with Lucy & Liam

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News submitted by Barbara Davies

Here are the high resolution scans from the Spartacus Vegenance promo featuring Viva Bianca, Liam McIntyre, Katrina Law and Lucy Lawless. The scans are from EW Magazine January 2012 Issue. They were scanned by Lori.

Here are two promo images I haven't seen before from the Spartacus Blood and Sand promo image range:

Lucy Lawless as Lucretia

John Hannah as Batiatus

Both of these images (amongst other Spartacus promo images) can be found here

Complex.com has the The 25 Most Anticipated TV Shows Of 2012 and Spartacus Vengeance comes in at #6...

6. Spartacus: Vengeance

Forging ahead, the network cast Aussie actor Liam McIntyre in the role of Spartacus, and, by the looks of things, he's shaping up to be a worthy replacement. The title character's gladiator rebellion will take center-stage this year, putting quite the heavy burden on the untested McIntyre to anchor one of TV's bloodiest and most nudity-filled shows. Fortunately, he'll be aided by several returning cast members, namely the one-two punch of hotness that is Lucy Lawless and Katrina Law. We're going to miss Whitfield, but here's to McIntyre and some old friends keeping Spartacus every bit as enthralling as before in the man?s honor.

Read full article

TVPrime Magazine (Portuguese) has an older article about Spartacus Blood and Sand and Lucy (well on a guess going by the images). I'm also guessing it's May 2011 issue.

Oh yee gods this is just smoking hot! Bigger scans of this shortly...current issue of EW Magazine.

Event Details

Spartacus fans in L.A., prepare for vengeance.

The Gods have seen fit to give some of you the chance of a lifetime to attend the star-studded Spartacus: Vengeance Red Carpet Premiere in Hollywood.

Not only will you get to see the first episode of Spartacus: Vengeance before anyone else, you?ll also be at the screening with the stars of the series.

RSVP NOW. SEATING LIMITED. SEE THE CAST!

Share with us your intent to attend by clicking "Register" above. Your RSVP does not guarantee you a seat, so arrive EARLY. The very special event is first-come, first-seated.

This screening is rated TV-MA and contains mature content. Must be 18 or older to attend.

Click here to get tickets

Spartacus PR is going to go high gear in January and here is the first scheduled official event. It's the Winter TCA (Television Critics Association Winter Tour). The event is held in Los Angeles every year. Dozens of networks and 100+ shows move their way into a ballroom for a conference with the media. Starz will be at the event to showcase Spartacus: Vengeance and Magic City. There is no official word on which Sparty cast members will be there but going on past TCA tours, Lucy, Viva, Liam and other cast members may be present.

SPARTACUS SCHEDULE

Friday, Jan. 13: The first of several days for various cable networks that aren't connected to the broadcasters. Other channels presenting include Starz (which is paneling "Spartacus: Vengeance" in addition to the new "Magic City"),

Previous TCA Events on AUSXIP Spartacus

- 2009 TCA Summer Tour July 2009
- 2010 TCA Winter Tour Jan 2010
- 2011 TCA Winter tour Jan 2011

- 2011 TCA Summer Tour July 2011

- Image: Lucy with Starz CEO Chris Albrecht at TCA Summer Tour Presentation
- AfterElton Reviews The Spartacus TCA Panel
- IMDB Blog Chats with Lucy Lawless at the TCA Summer Tour 29 July 2011 Minor Spoilers
- TCA Summer Tour Spartacus Panel Photos!
- Spartacus Cast at TCA Panel - Edited Panel Discussion
- Spartacus Cast at TCA Summer Tour 29 July 2011

Genre icon Lucy Lawless has amassed plenty of experience wielding swords and other symbols of empowerment. Yet, as the deliciously wicked and sexually voracious Lucretia, Lawless is relishing the chance to unleash a persona that is an unrepentant force of nature.

Find out what the warrior princess truly loves about being the queen of the arena in this first part of a three-part series with the stars and creative team behind the provocative sword and sandals hit, Spartacus. Proving you can never keep a bad girl down, only a character as maleficent as the nefarious Lucretia in Spartacus could survive being pierced in her womb.

One of many operatic high notes in a series that has ripped open the envelope of mainstream entertainment, the epic rebellion that is Spartacus has spread to become a pop culture sensation. Sure, the show's unparalleled depiction of graphic violence and sexuality is enough to pique the interest of the casual viewer. Yet, audiences are staying in great numbers to relish this decadent vision of life in ancient Rome in part to see what the imperious Lucy Lawless will do next.

As the infamous Lucretia, often the instigator for some of the show's most jaw-dropping moments, only a woman like Lawless could rival the muscle-bound hunks enslaved by the gladiators' arena. So, how does such a delicious villain escape the sharp point of fate?

Read Interview

The following interview was conduced during the Summer TCA Event in July 2011 when Lucy and the rest of the Spartacus cast were promoting Spartacus. They had just come from the 2011 Comic Con in San Diego.

Spartacus: Vengeance ? Lucy Lawless gets a bit crazy - Film Review Online

Posted on: 2 January 2011

Following the panel at the TV Critics Association for Spartacus: Vengeance, I caught up with Lucy Lawless, who continues to play Lucretia on the show, surviving the bloody gladiator revolt that took the life of her husband, gladiator owner Batiatus (John Hannah).

As I approached Lucy in the hallway outside of the main room, it appeared that a journalist was obsessed with an accident that occurred as long ago as October 8, 1996, when Lucy did a skit as her iconic character Xena on The Jay Leno Show.

Read The Interview

On 5 September 2009 Lucy attended the Qantas Film and Television Awards 2009. She was briefly interviewed at the event.

You can see Lucy arriving at 0.53 sec into the video and she's interviewed briefly at 3.02 minutes into it.

On 5 September 2009 Lucy attended the Qantas Film and Television Awards 2009. Oliver Driver (well known to Lucy fans since he directed / produced The Vagina Monologues with Lucy in New Zealand between 14 February and 16 March 2002) was the host of the awards.

There is now video of Oliver trying to find a co-host for the awards and he stumbles through various news and tv show sets. He also manages to stumble onto the Spartacus Gods of the Arena set with Lucy, Lesley-Ann and Michael Hurst (who was directing the episode Paterfamilias at the time). Just a bit of trivia here - the dress Lucy is wearing was auctioned off on Starship Spring Clean and sold for $1110.

Lucy and Lesley-Ann can be seen in the video approx 3:41 min into it.

Link submitted by Barbara Davies

Lucy is interviewed in the Italian Vanity Fare Magazine 14 December 2011 Issue. Scans were contributed by Federica Neddi and sent in by Barbara Bruno. Barbara translated the article from the original Italian to English

Vanity Fair Magazine
(Italian) - 14 December 2011

Translated by Barbara Bruno

Lucy Lawless

I thought I was a man

Warrior Princess in the 90s (Do you remember Xena?) gladiator lover today, she always keeps herself in a good shape. Credit to a “lovely” education: at home, at school and in the mine

by Andrea Carugati


Sometimes they come back, especially on TV Shows.

Lucy Lawless, in mid 90s, she was the main character on Xena, Warrior Princess, series based on mythology that was a hit on the channel Italia 1. Today, because there is nothing new really, she is back in the limelight with the role of Lucretia on Spartacus: Blood and Sand TV Series with strong colors which became very famous thanks to the record audience on Sky 1(where in spring we are waiting for the second Season: Spartacus Vengeance. )

Lucy, who had the fortune to marry Robert Tapert, producer of Spartacus with Sam Raimi, in the show she is the wife of Lentulus Batiatus(owner of a gladiator school in Capua) as well as the secret lover of the gladiator Crixus. Lucretia schemes, kills, arranges orgies to gain the favors of the powerful people, always at the service of her husband and the thirst for power that unites them. Whatever the obstacle is- between a bath and a naked breast, having sex with the champion of the gladiators, poisoning someone- she removes it.

Starz sent out a Happy New Year greeting with style - Spartacus and his swords plus a behind the scenes video. The video contains interviews with Rob Tapert, Michael Hurst, Craig Parker and Luke Pegler (Marcus). It also includes a brief shot of Lucy as Lucretia.

Check out the Starz video here

Check out the Starz video here