There’s (more) bad news for Spartacus. It seems the last two episodes of Gods of the Arena will be the last we see of Lesley-Ann Brandt as Naevia, the beautiful slave.
According to Deadline, Brandt, who plays Naevia in Spartacus: Blood and Sand and the currently airing prequel Gods of the Arena has decided not to renew her contract with Starz. In addition to a recurring role on CSI: NY, she’s pursuing pilot options. ‘Tis the season.
To refresh your memory of where things left off for Brandt’s character in Blood and Sand, Naevia and Crixus were in love, but when Lucretia found out her guy-on-the-side had a girl-on-the-side, she jealously beat Naevia, whom she seemed to trust above all of her other slaves. Lucretia had her shipped off to parts unknown. Crixus seemed determined to find her and one would assume that’ll be part of his story in Season 2 of Blood and Sand. With Brandt’s departure, Naevia will be recast.
While I can understand Brandt’s desire to pursue other opportunities, especially considering her appearances in Season 2 may have been minimal, at least at the beginning (assuming Crixus doesn’t find Naevia in the first few episodes), I’m curious to know if she has her eye on something specific as far as pilots go or if she’s just trying to keep her options open. Either way, she’ll be missed on Spartacus.
Season 2 of Spartacus: Blood and Sand is scheduled to premiere in 2012. Liam McIntyre is set to take over for Andy Whitfield, who had to leave the show due to his battle with cancer. Hopefully no one else drops out, or the series is going to feel really unfamiliar.
