Since 300 grossed nearly $500 million, it was likely that there would be a sequel/prequel of some sorts. After the producers confirmed its existence, it was announced that the film would be called Xerxes and be a prequel about the villain of the original film, the leader of the Persians. There were rumors of Guy Ritchie picking it up, however news then went silent. Now things appear to all be going forward again as two directors are in contention and the title has undergone a change.
Originally called Xerxes, it is now titled 300: Battle of Artemisia. Keeping the 300 prefix obviously allows Warner Bros. something to market it with and if successful, launch a franchise. The men who are possibly going to take the seat in the director’s chair are Noam Murro and Jaume Collet-Serra. Murro has only directed one film (Smart People), but is a veteran of commercials. Collet-Serra is only a tad more prolific as he had the Liam Neeson actioner Unknown back in January.
To me, the film sounds like an entirely pointless concoction of producers wanting to make a quick buck. I was no fan of 300, which I found to be a profoundly dumb movie, but I give it the benefit of the doubt because I hated the source material on which it was based. This has no reason to be much better than that, so I approach this prequel with trepidation. It will likely be a huge moneymaker for the studio, but I don’t see it being any good.
What do you think?
Source: Deadline
