The official website of the upcoming graphic novel adaptation of Frank Miller’s side-quel, 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE, has revealed a brand new banner (above), character posters and descriptions of the films main characters, Themistocles, (Sullivan Stapleton) and Artemisia, (Eva Green). The film is the much-anticipated follow-up to Zack Snyder’s 2006 visual blockbusting sword and sandals epic. Snyder is also back onboard as producer but makes way for Noam Murro in the directors chair. Check out the official synopsis below, along with the aforementioned promo material.

Based 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 & 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, editor Wyatt Smith and costume designer Alexandra Byrne. The music is composed by Federico Jusid. 

“300: Rise of an Empire” will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. This film is not yet rated.

Themistokles

Walking the line between savvy statesman and battle-hardened soldier, this Greek general has no illusions about what motivates men, kings or gods. He knows well how the game is played. 

A master strategist, Themistokles holds an unflinching vision for the glory of Greece and will do whatever it takes to realize that vision—whether leading the charge on the battlefield or subtly working his influence behind the scenes. 

Now, facing the onslaught of the massive Persian navy, he may be outnumbered but not out-maneuvered. Knowing there’s more at stake here than his life and the lives of his men, he will gamble everything on a daring plan that could seal the fate of Greece and the future of democracy. 

Sullivan Stapleton takes on the nuanced role and describes Themistokles as a “people person,” just one of the many facets that make up this richly developed character—a man of wit and persuasive charm, as well as steely determination.

 Artemisia

A woman commanding armies in a man’s world, this skilled and ruthless warrior—the real power behind Xerxes’ throne—knows that the rules have never applied to her. And never will. Meeting Themistokles head-on with the Persian armada, Artemisia will set the sea on fire, assaulting Greece not only for power and glory but for vengeance, the roots of which are known only to herself…and for which she is willing to sacrifice thousands and alter the fate of nations. 

Bringing the volatile, vindictive and unapologetically ambitious warrior Artemisia to life is Eva Green, who says, “I love playing evil characters, but ones who are complex, and have a reason to behave in such a way… It’s always more interesting.”