300 / 300: Rise of an Empire

300Based on the epic graphic novel by Frank Miller, 300 is a ferocious retelling of the Battle of Thermopylae. 300 Spartans fought to the death against the massive Persian army. Facing insurmountable odds, their valour and sacrifice inspire all of Greece.300: Rise of an EmpireBased 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.Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures present, 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 Artemisia. Lena Headey reprises her starring role from '300' as the Spartan Queen, Gorgo; Hans Matheson ('Clash of the Titans') stars as Aeskylos; David Wenham returns as Dilios, and Rodrigo Santoro stars again as the Persian King, Xerxes.The film is directed by Noam Murro, from a screenplay by Zack Snyder and Kurt Johnstad, based on the graphic novel Xerxes, by Frank Miller. It is produced by Gianni Nunnari, Mark Canton, Zack Snyder, Deborah Snyder and Bernie Goldmann. Thomas Tull, Frank Miller, Stephen Jones and Jon Jashni serve as executive producers.The creative filmmaking team includes director of photography Simon Duggan, production designer Patrick Tatopoulos, editors Wyatt Smith and David Brenner, and costume designer Alexandra Byrne. The music is composed by Junkie XL. Opening in 3D and 2D in select theatres and IMAX beginning March 7, 2014, the film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.