Themistocles (Sullivan Stapleton) stands out in this trailer for director Noam Murro's 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE. Stapleton's character truly existed in history and helped defeat the Persians at the battles of Marathon, Salamis and Plataea. So while Frank Miller's graphic novels are fantastic, a great deal of it is based on characters that did live and die.
Here's the movie's storyline: Based on Frank Miller’s latest graphic novel Xerxes, and told in the breathtaking visual style of the blockbuster “300,” this new chapter of the epic saga takes the action to a fresh battlefield—on the sea—as Greek general Themistokles attempts to unite all of Greece by leading the charge that will change the course of the war. “300: Rise of an Empire” pits Themistokles against the massive invading Persian forces led by mortal-turned-god Xerxes, and Artemesia, vengeful commander of the Persian navy. Warner Bros. Picture presents, in association with Legendary Pictures, 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 Artemesia. Lena Headey reprises her starring role from “300″ as the Spartan Queen, Gorgo; Hans Matheson (“Clash of the Titans”) stars as Aeskylos; and Rodrigo Santoro stars again as the Persian King, Xerxes.
At long last we have the first trailer for 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE brought to you by producer Zach Snyder (300, MAN OF STEEL) and director Noam Murro.
The return of Xerxes! Man this looks impressive. I love the look of this breed of movie! I hope the story matches - it'll be hard to surpass the original movie in that regard.
Here's the storyline for the movie: Based on Frank Miller’s latest graphic novel Xerxes, and told in the breathtaking visual style of the blockbuster “300,” this new chapter of the epic saga takes the action to a fresh battlefield—on the sea—as Greek general Themistokles attempts to unite all of Greece by leading the charge that will change the course of the war. “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.
Jim here. Juicy rumor here directly from 300's lion's mouth, Zack Snyder. Apparently he has seen about 10 minutes of his movie 300 converted to 3D and it was enough to convince him to do the same for LEGENDS OF THE GUARDIANS.
But for this post anyway, what Snyder said next strikes a chord:"I haven't seen the whole movie (300) but they're talking about doing the whole movie. I saw maybe like a ten-minute section that they'd just done. By the way, they did an amazing job. The way we shot it actually, it's almost like a 3D movie anyway, so it really lends itself to that. There is a difference. If you look at the trailer for GUARDIANS, it's clearly a true 3D movie, it's just whistle clean, all of the layers, all of the elements are tack sharp, it's crazy. So there is a difference, but I feel like the cool thing about "Sucker Punch" - it's exactly like Alan (Horn) said, "If you want a 3D experience with that movie, it will be there and it will be awesome. If you want to see it in 2D, it will be there as well."
Well I have always wanted to see 300 in 3D - along with THE MATRIX and STAR WARS. Looks like stage one of my master plan may be closer than I thought! What do you think? Want to see some Spartans kicking butt in 3D? :-)
I have not seen this officially stated anywhere else so I will say it:3D is now the standard format for feature animation.
We have reached the pivot point for animation in Hollywood and that is: All future animation tentpoles from the top three majors will be shot in 3D. That is not said lightly! It is a wonderful year for animation and the 3D industry. And there is not much more that needs to be said for animation: They've got it right.
2009 may very well hold the key to the pivot point for Live Action as well with James Cameron's (JC) "Avatar". Few people know what they are to expect from the movie and to be honest that is truly playing into the hands of JC. Imagine having never seen a modern 3D movie before and walking in for the first time to see "Avatar" - the 'cream of the crop' shall we say. People are just going to be overwhelmed. I saw this happen already for a concert film: "U2 3D" - folks just didn't know what they were in for and they couldn't stop looking at each other and pointing - I couldn't wipe the smile off of my face! This was a concert movie. A very good one mind you, but still no storyline, no suspense, no shocking turn of events. People were turning around and buying another ticket for the next showing solely based on their experience of 'sight and sound'.
What does this mean for "Avatar"?Take that concert film (James Horner's score will make "Avatar" feel like a concert anyway trust me) and literally add immersive adventure on a grand scale - you are part of the movie! You think "U2 3D" was good? "Beowulf"? You have seen nothing yet. To say that this movie is anticipated is an understatement in my opinion. "Avatar" is a delivery from the mundane to the sublime. As JC puts it: It fires more synapses.
Now I don't expect to have all of the majors lining up and saying "3D from now on", but I will tell you that it is close. VERY close and JC was right to point this out in his recent interview with Variety: He thinks 3D could be applied as easily to "300" as it could be to "Atonement". He is RIGHT. I am still reading posts from other bloggers who think he is crazy for saying that - a drama in 3D? I think you know where I stand, but in case you don't...
We LIVE in 3D - it is time to wake up and butter your toast bloggers. The times are changing and for the better. I couldn't be in a better place either. I can't wait for that second pivot point. Bring on Live Action 3D!
More on Outlander: It will be released in the February / March time frame according to Jim Caviezel:
"People will be profoundly blown away. It will be released around the same time as "300" was released last year, around February, March some time. And a lot of heat on it right now... If you like "The Passion", If you like "The Count Of Monte Cristo" you will love Outlander."
By the way, "The Count Of Monte Cristo" is my favorite Caviezel movie to date (except Outlander of course!). PS: Outlander is not a 3D movie.
Recently David Gambino with Dark Castle Entertainment was interviewed and he stated: "There's been talk about possibly doing (Sgt. Rock) like a "300", really making it like a graphic novel come to life, but no decisions have really been made on that. It's pretty exciting though. It's a project that Joel (Silver) has had for probably going on 15 or 20 years now. It was something that he almost had in production with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the late '80s, and it ultimately fell apart in financing at the studio. But it's something he's been hoping we can crack forever, and we finally have a script that everybody's happy with, and now it's just a matter of getting the ball rolling here and trying to put it into production."
He also was very vocal about trying to find the lead for the Joel Silver film (script by John Cox) and that it was a challenge to find a suitable actor with a substantial muscular frame. Maybe whoever winds up doing Marcus Fenix in Gears of War could switch gears for the sergeant.
Well the CGI in "300" was excellent and made the movie far more successful than it would have been without it. And far cheaper to make. I am all for CGI'ing "Sgt. Rock" to the max.
Hmmm. Lead actor for Sgt. Rock. Well - The Rock comes to mind... Built-in brand awareness!
