Actress Darby Stanchfield attends the Environmental Media Association 26th Annual EMA Awards Presented By Toyota, Lexus And Calvert at Warner Bros. Studios on October 22, 2016 in Burbank, California. (Photo : Getty Image/ Rich Polk)
There is a surprise treat for all Gladiators fans. Shondaland and ABC Studios are offering "Scandal" spin-off "Gladiator: Wanted" ahead of the ABC drama's Season 6.
"Gladiator: Wanted" is a six-episode web series that follows the story of Olivia Pope's (Kerry Washington) and Gladiators Quinn (Katie Lowes), Huck (Guillermo Diaz) and Marcus (Cornelius Smith Jr). Fans were given a chance to see all the six webisodes released on Jan. 19, Thursday. In the web series, the Gladiators were tasked to find an intern for Olivia Pope & Associates.
It is Darby Stanchfield's, who plays Abby Whelan, directorial debut. She revealed that she got her inspiration to create and direct from her co-star and seasonal "Scandal" director Tony Goldwyn.
"This huge lightbulb went off and I thought, 'On this Shondaland show, why aren't any women actresses directing on "Scandal?'" Stanchfield told The Hollywood Reporter. "Shondaland is a very supportive company for women, for diversity, for you name it."
"Gladiator: Wanted" was written by Juan Carlos Fernandez, who was promoted from his earlier position as "Scandal's" script coordinator. It could be noted that the people, who worked behind the web series were all promoted from their previous "Scandal" positions.
Shondaland is known for giving its people an opportunity to grow in their respective careers. In fact, some cast members such as Goldwyn and Scott Foley were directing. Ellen Pompeo, Kerry Washington and Viola Davis were all producing, while Dan Bucatinsky and Foley also serve as developers.
The "Scandal" spin-off served as a bridge between Season 5 and Season 6, according to TV Guide. The premiere of "Scandal" Season 6 was pushed back a week to air on Jan. 26, Thursday, to provide ABC a chance to feature a "20/20" Inauguration Special.
For Stanchfield, "Gladiator: Wanted" is a tribute and shoutout to the "Original Gladiators." The spin-off is nostalgia to the classic days. Gladiator fans would definitely remember the old Gladiator humor and jokes, which were seen since the beginning of the series.
The ABC drama spin-off is available on ABC app and ABC.com. "Scandal" Season 6, episode 1 titled "Survival of the Fittest" premieres at 9/8c on ABC. The initial episode is set to reveal a shocking result of the election. Watch more details about the spin-off directed by Stanchfield below:
