As we’ve all found out by now, Andy Whitfield won’t be retuning to season 2 of Spartacus: Blood and Sand due to illness. In addition, the search for an actor to replace him is going in and we expect to get that news pretty soon.

Until then, Starz has gone ahead and made a prequel series to Spartacus: Blood and Sand called Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, which we have the first trailer for today. The new series features some of the actors from the original show, including John Hannah (Quintus Batiatus), Lucy Lawless (Lucretia) and Peter Mensah (Doctore), but tells the story of the beginnings of the Batiatus household.

For more, here’s the official synopsis from Starz:

As the prequel begins, Quintus Batiatus is the acting Lanista while his father Titus is on an extended visit to Sicilia. But Batiatus isn’t satisfied with just the thought of taking over the Ludus one day; he aspires to political power and prestige in Capua, and perhaps beyond. In the class-conscious world of ancient Rome, the House of Batiatus must first earn the respect of both politicians and socialites before being granted the right for its gladiators to fight in the much-revered championship bouts called the Primus. Batiatus must not only survive the harsh politics of Capua, but also compel his hedonistic fighter, Gannicus, to embrace being a champion gladiator who will bring esteem and respect to the House of Batiatus.

No, this isn’t exactly the Spartacus we’ve come to know and love, but it still looks pretty fun. We’re going to give it a chance. Check out the trailer after the jump. Spartacus: Gods of the Arena premieres January 21 at 10/9C on Starz.

Spartacus: Blood and Sand is back with a vengeance, with more blood and you guessed it — more sand. In addition to shooting what will be a glorious Season 2, Starz is also shooting a six-part prequel that will be covering The House of Batiatus’ rise to arena awesomeness and air in January 2011.

In anticipation of the new episodes, The Flickcast was there to catch up with Andy Whitfield who plays none other than Spartacus himself. He achieved the greatest victory of all by defeating cancer, and we’re glad to hear he’s going to be back and better than ever with a small part in the prequel and a starring role once again in Season 2.

As buff gladiators strutted the Comic-Con convention floor towards the Anchor Bay Entertainment booth, I happily took a seat in a cozy room alongside the protein-packed actor. Starz certainly knows how to keep a woman’s interest.

Sitting down with Andy Whitfield was a delight. Besides being easy on the eyes, Andy was humble and charmingly insightful. But, don’t take my word for it. Following the jump, take a seat as the bringer of rain answers questions about fighting alongside his brethren and filming on location under the hot sun of New Zealand.