300 Sequel in the Works

Amazing visual imagery, outstanding special effects, lots of blood and epic battle scenes. What more could a guy ask for in a cinematic experience? No, I'm not talking about Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom prancing around in Troy. I'm talking about the little-known historical tale of Spartan King Leonidas of circa 540s B.C. (actor Gerard Butler) and his 300 battle-hardened, spear-wielding, probably-wake-up-and-eat-fire-for-breakfast warriors, who pitted themselves against Persian "God-King" Xerxes (actor Rodrigo Santoro) and his army of over one million soldiers-all brought to life on the silver screen by Director/Screenwriter Zack Snyder of recent Watchmen (2009) fame. You saw 300 in 2007. Now, prepare for 300 part 2 (there's no official title yet, so work with me here).

During a recent Warner Bros. press meeting, Snyder spoke with representatives of ComingSoon.net and Superhero Hype about his plans to revisit the world of the Spartans in an upcoming sequel. According to the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), an untitled 300 project is currently slated for release in 2010, with no official word on a specific month or day. Graphic novel author and screenwriter Frank Miller, whose groundbreaking movie-writing work has included The Spirit (2008) and Sin City (2005), will be returning to pen the storyline for this highly-anticipated installment. According to Snyder, "I know for a fact that Frank [Miller] is writing right now. [He's] drawing away and seems to be knee-deep in it. I think he's going to head back to Greece again and do another reconnaissance." (Exclusive: Zack Snyder Talks 300 Sequel: www.comingsoon.net).

Obviously Snyder is referring to Miller's desire to first pen and flesh out the comic book/graphic novel version of the film before scripting the actual movie sequences and plot. Either way, with his creativity at the helm, it promises to be a superb narrative. And speaking of storyline, you're probably wondering where a sequel would even pick up as far as events go. Snyder says it may be a stretch to even refer to the next flick as a sequel, as Miller's novel will "take place in between the moment Leonidas dies and the Platea battle one year later (in which 10,000 Spartans defeat the Persians). During this time period, there's also the battle of Salamis, in which Athens' navy also fights the Persians..." (PopWatch Blog:www.popwatch.ew.com).

Back in June of 2008, 300 producers Mark Canton, Gianni Nunnari, and Bernie Goldmann announced they were already hard at work on the details of a sequel and prequel to the film. The untitled flick announced for 2010 may, in fact, transform into the sequel, if Miller's script plans turn that direction. According to Variety writer Diane Garrett, there are already rumors circulating that the title will be Sparta (how original).

For now, it remains to be seen as to how much historical accuracy will be implemented on this go around. 300 received quite a bit of flak upon its theatre debut for screwing with the history books, not to mention the controversial depictions of the Persians. One thing, however, it certain: with as much work as Snyder and his team have and will put into the intricate visual aspect of the film (with camera work that puts the original innovation of The Matrix to shame), there is no doubt 300 fans will return to check out another addition to the franchise.