Originally slated for release this summer, 300: Rise of an Empire is marching its way to theaters next…March.
The followup to the 2006 film adaptation of Frank Miller’s 300 boasts the same slick sheen along with at least three of its stars. David Wenham’s one-eyed Dilios is the sole survivor of that titular force. Lena Hedey’s Queen Gorgo also returns as King Leonidas’ widow and a bit of a rally crier as well. Don’t forget Rodrigo Santoro as the larger than life warmonger-turned god Xerxes. Wait. Four stars. We forgot Zack Snyder’s signature slow motion reaving. As for Snyder himself, he’s hanging back as co-writer and producer. This one’s directed by Noam Murro, whose previous feature was 2008’s Smart People, starring Dennis Quaid, Thomas Hayden Church, Sarah Jessica Parker, Ellen Page and nary a hunchback or decapitation. Remember that one? Yeah, that guy’s making a sequel to 300.
Rise of an Empire turns its attention to the historic naval battle of Artemesium circa 480 BC. So there’s lots of boats and water and stuff. Eva Green’s in it too. A whole mess of people, actually. And horses.
Let’s take a look.
After Immortal and the Wrath of the Titans series hitched a ride of Leonidas’ chariot in the intervening years, I’m not entirely sure whether there’s still a demand for this sub-genre of chroma-keyed sword and sandal jaunts, but time will tell.
