The news of production of a sequel to 300 has been long documented, with the 2nd entry becoming a prequel. After news that ‘300’ director Zack Snyder wasn’t returning to direct instead picking up some writing duties as well as the fact that there wouldn’t be any involvement of graphic novel creator Frank Miller beyond executive producing I have to admit that my outlook on the film waned. This trailer just might change some minds…

“300: Rise of an Empire” pits Themistokles against the massive invading Persian forces led by mortal-turned-god Xerxes, and Artemisia, vengeful commander of the Persian navy.

 

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures present, a Cruel and Unusual Films/Mark Canton/Gianni Nunnari Production, “300: Rise of an Empire.” The action adventure stars Sullivan Stapleton (“Gangster Squad”) as Themistokles and Eva Green (“Dark Shadows,” “Casino Royale”) as Artemisia. Lena Headey reprises her starring role from “300” as the Spartan Queen, Gorgo; Hans Matheson (“Clash of the Titans”) stars as Aeskylos; David Wenham returns as Dilios, and Rodrigo Santoro stars again as the Persian King, Xerxes.

 

The film is directed by Noam Murro, from a screenplay by Zack Snyder & Kurt Johnstad, based on the graphic novel Xerxes, by Frank Miller.

It’s pretty much what I expected. Not the worst thing I’ve seen this year but it isn’t a clone of the approach Zack Snyder used so the change unsettles me. The visuals and shots have the same pallette and some of the same tone but it’s… missing something.

Source: Warner Bros.