Sci-Fi Film and Television Developments

Xerxes

7/22/10 - According to Zack Snyder, Xerxes isn't quite a prequel and isn't quite a sequel, but promises to be every bit as stylish as the original.  Xerxes will be based on a new Frank Miller comic of the same name that we told you about that's going to be published by Dark Horse Comics in six installments next year.  In an interview with the LA Times, director Zack Snyder said, "This movie follows Themistocles and the Battle of Artemisium, which coincidentally happens on the exact same three days as the Battle of Thermopylae [which was the basis of 300]. This one starts off with a quick retelling of the why of the Persian wars. It starts off at the Battle of Marathon and then it goes back to Themistocles finding out that Persians are invading again. And off we go over to learn a little bit about why Xerxes is the way he is."  The climax of the film will involve epic sea battles. "The triremes all crash together, and as they all ram in you have basic hoplite combat. But it's all on the deck on these crashing ships—there's even horses riding across them," Snyder said.  "We closed the writing deal on Xerxes. We started writing about a week ago. ... So we're doing it. It's happening." But what about directing? How can we know Xerxes will look as cool as 300 without him in the director's chair? "It's really going to depend on what the studio wants to do," said Snyder, "and what we do when we finish; I don't have a directing deal in place but we are writing it, so call it intent."

12/16/09 - Frank Miller told the L.A. Times that he's working on a follow-up to 300 titled Xerxes. While 300 depicted the Battle of Thermopylae, Miller says of Xerxes, which is set 10 years before 300, "It's the battle of Marathon through my lens." He goes on to say that "I've finished the plot and I'm getting started on the artwork." Miller also indicated that Zack Snyder is interested in adapting Xerxes.

7/23/09 - According to the Hollywood Reporter's Risky Business blog, Frank Miller is working on a graphic novel follow up to 300 that will serve as the basis for a sequel to director Zack Snyder's huge 2006 hit. No firm word word yet on whether or not Miller's graphic novel is a true sequel to 300, a prequel, or a sequel that focuses on a new group of characters.  There are early indications that 300 director Zack Snyder and screenwriter Kurt Johnstad will be returning for the new movie, but nothing is confirmed at this point. Producers Gianni Nunnari and Mark Canton have reportedly been pushing for a sequel to the $400 million-grossing, spears-and-loincloths hit for some time.

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