A sequel to the 2007 Zack Snyder swords-and-man-diapers epic 300 has been in the works for some time, though it hasn’t really gotten on its feet until recently (despite initial planning in 2008). Filmmakers of the follow-up recently released a bit more information about the film, including its new title, 300: Rise of an Empire.

Few things we should clear up: You might be wondering how they can do a sequel to the film and call it 300-anything when the eponymous 300 all met their unfortunate deaths in the original film, the graphic novel written by Frank Miller that inspired it, and, oh yeah, history. That’s where filmmakers are being tricky. See, 300: Rise of an Empire is actually a prequel, and will apparently follow the original film’s villain, King Xerxes (played again by a nine-foot tall Rodrigo Santoro), as he tries to take over more of Greece and expand his empire.

The film was also originally reported as bearing the title 300: The Battle of Artemisia, causing the filmmakers to correct it to 300: The Battle of Artemisium, before throwing that out altogether and deciding on 300: Rise of an Empire. (Don’t worry, I’m confused too).

More casting information, from MSN: Sullivan Stapleton (of Animal Kingdom), will stars as Athenian general Themistocles, Eva Green (of Casino Royale) appears as a new character called Artemesia, wife of Xerxes, and Noam Murro (Smart People) will direct.

The important stuff to take away: 300 is getting a sequel/prequel, it will be called 300: Rise of an Empire, and no, Gerard Butler is not in it.

’300′ Sequel Gets A (Better) Title: ‘Rise Of An Empire’ is a post from: The Inquisitr