Zack Snyder’s 300 was a pitch-perfect adaptation of Frank Miller’s graphic novel of the same name. It was full of stylish, old-timey ultra-violence that looked like it had been lifted directly from the page. There was only one problem: it kind of had a whole Eurocentric xenophobia thing going on where the bad guys were primarily dark-skinned Middle-Easterners (Persians, to be exact) who were made to look like grotesque monsters. It looks like 300: Rise of an Empire will address that concern somewhat by having a villain who is not only of European descent, but a pretty lady to boot.
A new trailer for the film shows off actress Eva Green as Artemesia, a real historical figure who was an ally of of King Xerxes during the second Persian invasion of Greece. The plot of the film is adapted from Xerxes, Frank Miller’s upcoming graphic novel which is a prequel/sequel to 300. It centers around the titular Persian king and his rise to become an abnormally tall “God king,” which is a pretty nice gig if you can get it. If Artemesia figures into the movie as much as she does the trailer, then we’ll be seeing a lot of her bossing around half-naked men. Also a nice gig, if you’re into that sort of thing.
The protagonist of the film is Greek general Themistocles (Sullivan Stapleton), who attempts to unite the forces of Greece to repel the Persian invasion led by Xerxes and Artemesia. Is he successful? Well, it’s probably best to not read any history books if you don’t want the ending spoiled for you.
300: Rise of an Empire is directed by Noam Murro but Zack Snyder lent his talents as a writer and producer, so his stamp will still be on the film. It is scheduled to invade theaters on March 7, 2014. For a taste of the what’s to come, oil up your pectorals and watch the trailer below.