From USA Today we have our first look at the 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE when the first 300 came it was all bloody gory and with men full of supernatural powers and this one will be no different but one thing is for sure it be great fun, The sequel is being directed by Noam Murro.
The story is described as having an aquatic setting and follows the Persian king-turned-god Xerxes as he leads an army against Greek forces, who have little training but are under the guidance of the general Themistokles. (The giant battle at the center of this movie is supposed to occur at the same time as the fighting in 300.) The director explains the epic size of the sequel saying,
‘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 aquatic setting allows for a completely new dynamic — even if both films take their stylized look from the original graphic novel by Frank Miller.
The sea battle also allows the scale of the movie to change. The first 300 took place primarily on a narrow pass known as the “Hot Gates,” where the Spartans sought tactical advantage due to their significantly smaller numbers. But Empire “happens over time in many different locations,” says Murro. “The opportunities for the six distinct battles are even greater with different locations and tactics.”
Movie star cast includes Rodrigo Santoro returning as Xerxes, and Eva Green as Artemisia, “the vengeful commander of the Persian navy.” Rounding out the cast are Lena Headey, Hans Matheson, Igal Naor, Callan Mulvey, Jack O’Connell, and Andrew Tiernan.