MovieChat Forums > The Shannara Chronicles (2016) Discussion > They are writing Manu Bennett out of Sea...

They are writing Manu Bennett out of Season 2.

posted 9 years ago by pitterpeter
48 replies | jump to latest

From some high placed sources I've heard Manu Bennett has been extremely difficult for the producers to deal with on this show.

He shows up without his lines memorized, insults actresses on set, and is very difficult to direct.

As someone who has worked on a production that he was involved with, none of the above surprises me. The guy has a history of assault and alcohol abuse to boot.

The rumor is they are trying to write in some kind of change to Allanon's appearance after he stepped through the portal at the end of the season so they can cast another actor in the role for Season 2.

Since he's also been banned from being on any CW TV Show as well as any Starz show after his violent outbursts and antics on the sets of both Arrow and Spartacus, I would be shocked if we don't see news of a new Allanon actor very soon.

[–] thegoodthebad 8 years ago

Why have you come on IMDB with this? If what you say is true and you have reliable sources why not sell the story to a media outlet? I've seen list after list of the worst actors to work with. I've never seen Manu Bennett's name on any. Time will tell of course how much of a troll you are.

One man's trash is another man's treasure.

[–] Madcap2112 8 years ago

They are writing Manu Bennett out of Season 2.

He's listed for season 2, so this was (predictably) bullsh!t.

Marriage is a wonderful institution, but who wants to live in an institution?
~Groucho Marx

[–] touser2004 8 years ago

I don't know if it's true but he is easily the best actor on the show

[–] lferrigon-1 8 years ago

Thanks for the information. I had wondered myself.

[–] MariMcCabe 8 years ago

Let me say this. There is actually some vague truth to what OP has said about Manu. Mainly his drinking habits and having flings with women. Manu travels a lot (is barely home) and has hooked up with a lot of ladies along the way. He has an affinity for models and cosplayers in particular, and a strong fondness for his Spartacus co-star Cynthia Addai Robinson. He does not try to hide it either. Many women have spoken about their experience of him hitting on them. On more than one occasion when he's drunk people have said he becomes very arrogant. He's shown up to convention late (SuperCon I believe) due to a hang over from the after party.

So yeah, Manu should definitely seek help regarding his drinking. However he is not a violent monster or animal. And the claims he's been banned by networks is absurd.

[–] BrunoAntony 8 years ago

Get a life.

Due to the lack of moderators, trolls can ruin the IMDB message boards. Don't feed them.

[–] MykaLovesHG 8 years ago

I don't know if any of these rumours about Manu are true but I certainly have no difficulty believing they are true.

I remember he once said Lesley-Ann Brandt was "no fun to work with" & I thought that was an incredibly unprofessional thing for him to say. Especially when Brandt was a much better Naevia than Cynthia Addai-Robinson. Looks like Manu's actually the one who's no fun to work with. Makes me wonder if he was the one who pushed for Brandt to be replaced... maybe she didn't get along with him because he's a douche.

An old report of his drunken assault on some dude can be found here.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2015/09/15/tv-and-movie-actor-manu-bennett-arrested-charged-texas-hotel-punch-up/72313546/

[–] MariMcCabe 8 years ago

Lesley Ann Brandt left the show / possibly got herself fired. She wanted more money to stay on Spartacus. She pulled a tasteless stunt while Andy Whitfield was sick with cancer, thinking she wouldn't get replaced because they already had to replace their lead. You're trying to put that on Manu Bennett? That was all Lesley's doing.

http://www.thewrap.com/lesley-ann-brandt-would-stay-spartacus-price-24836/

A make up artist who worked with her on another show (The Librarians) did not hold back when saying she was unbearable to work with and was disliked by everyone. Their thread is no longer available but she said Lesley was incredibly arrogant and rude.

Manu on the other hand, was at least very polite when he was asked about his experience working with the two different Naevias and Spartacus actors and even said she was a great girl -- he just preferred working with Cynthia Addai Robinson because they got along really well and had fun on set, not that Lesley was 'no fun'.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iDg344CTZM

Manu put a lot of thought into molding Crixus and his relationship with Naevia, so I believe he has the better perspective on who was 'the much better Naevia' -- especially considering all Lesley ever did was stand there while he did most of the work in their scenes together; certainly nothing Cynthia couldn't have done.

[–] MykaLovesHG 8 years ago

Cynthia was terrible as Naevia. She just could not act at all. I'm usually the last person to notice when an actor's acting is bad, I can put up with a lot... but Cynthia was incredibly wooden, especially in her early episodes.

[–] teacherxiq1973 8 years ago

Wooden?! LOL Suppose you need to rewatch the show. First time I drew attention to Naevia as an independent character when I saw her face at the scene of salvation from the Roman soldiers in the forest.

She gave us remarkable unforgettable inspiring performance in such scenes as attempt of suicide with a knife in her hands, training with Crixus, the beheading of Ashur, Crixus execution, with the head of Crixus in Spartacus camp, talking with Cora, the fight with Tiberius, etc.

She breathed new life into the boring standard character. She is great actress and the Star on rising.

[–] rapadake 8 years ago

whether its true or not, its appalling casting. Hes been shyte in everything hes done apart form playing a barbarian in Spartacus.

Hope he is gone. Allanon has been ruined.

Although - on reflection,almost all the rest of the casting is appalling to. That Poppy chick omg what a shyte "actress". She makes the series feel like a French and Saunders parody when shes trying her best to be serious.

[–] danzig138-668-939218 8 years ago

This thread amused me. Carry on.

-----
WORDS MEAN THINGS! Also, before you come to bitch about a plot hole, rewatch the show/movie.

[–] jordan_garrett_18 8 years ago

I call *beep* prove you work with these actors, I'm sure you must have pictures or something. What is your name so everyone can confirm you worked in the industry? Personally it seems you have the issues and need help. You are the liar and I'm sure you will be reported ect and eat your words and hopefully this gets to Manu and Stephen so they can file a lawsuit.

[–] galaqxus1987 8 years ago

Well,I hope it's only a weak rumor, but if not, they will havr few options. Make up new actor to look like Manu, diditaly add Manu's face luke in F&F7, take new actor with simillar outfit, and when characters in series would be surprised at his appearance, new could say " portal fault" :p

[–] MariMcCabe 8 years ago

New season 2 cast photo from Manu

https://instagram.com/p/BO_zFWgB_C8/

[–] 8 years ago

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