First Look: ‘300: Rise Of An Empire’
DirectorZack Snyder’s adaptation ofFrank Miller’s graphic novel300turned into a surprise hit in 2006, and ever since then there has been speculation about the sequel, or prequel. Miller quickly went to work on a related graphic novel, and several years ago Snyder and his co-writerKurt Johnstadgot to work on a script.
It took some time, but directorNoam Murrowas eventuallyset to directwhat became called300: Rise of an Empire, withSullivan Stapletonset to staras Greek general Themistokles in a story that parallels the original300.
That image above is the first look at a battle from the new film, and below we’ve got a shot of Stapleton in character. (Hint: he looks like he belongs in300.)
USA Todayhas these images, and the description that the film features an “aquatic setting” that “allows for a completely new dynamic.” Clearly, based on these images, this film is related to300— the link is obviously something beyond just the imitation of 300 that became common in the past half-dozen years.
Murro tells the paper that this film is a much bigger undertaking than the first.
[Rise of an Empire] happens over time in many different locations. The opportunities for the six distinct battles are even greater with different locations and tactics… The few against the many is still here. It’s hundreds vs. hundreds of thousands. It’s about taking on the mightiest power of all with wisdom and tactics.
The filmalso featuresEva Greenas Artemesia, descried as “the vengeful commander of the Persian navy.” (Also once part of the title of the film — this movie wasfirst calledXerxes, thenBattle of Artemesia.) She’s the military leader just under Xerxes (played by a returningRodrigo Santoro).
Below is a shot of Stapleton as he appears in the film.300: Rise of an Empireis set for release on August 2.
