Now playing in theaters is director Noam Murroâs 300: Rise of an Empire. In the sequel to Zack Snyderâs 300, Greek general Themistokles (Sullivan Stapleton) attempts to unite all of Greece by leading the charge that will change the course of the war against the massive invading Persian forces led by mortal-turned-god, Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro), and Artemisia (Eva Green), the vengeful commander of the Persian navy. The film also stars Lena Headey, Hans Matheson, David Wenham, Igal Nao, Callan Mulvey, Jack OâConnell, and Andrew Tiernan. Iâve seen the film twice now and am happy to report the sequel kicks ass. The fight scenes are extremely well done, the 3D actually adds to the story, and Eva Greenâs performance is worth the price of admission. It also might have the best sex scene of 2014, and itâs only February. While many might have wondered if we needed a sequel to 300, Iâm very happy they made it.
Producer Mark Canton Time Index:
- :16 â Reminisces about working on Caddyshack and with Harold Ramis on five films.
- 2:15 â Talks about the filmâs use of 3D and how he thinks itâs the best 3D to date.
- 3:45 â The lengthy development process of the sequel and how they landed upon the story. Why did it take so long for it to get off the ground? Says Zack Snyder initially planned to direct, but had to drop out when he agreed to helm Man of Steel.
- 5:15 â Would it be possible to release a cut of both 300 and 300: Rise of an Empire edited together?
- 6:03 â Talks about the ending of 300: Rise of an Empire and how it sets up another possible sequel.
- 7:15 â Eva Greenâs amazing performance. Was she always the first choice for the role?
- 8:06 â The filmâs 3D sex scene.
- 9:05 â Talks about the uniqueness of the franchise.
- 11:08 â Discusses the popcorn viewing experience of how graphic the movie is, especially with regards to the sex scene.
- 12:15 â His Starz series Power. Says theyâre in the middle of shooting the show right now.
- 13:29 â Heâs working on a trilogy of films about a young Julius Caesar and hopes to continue the franchises for 300 and Immortals.
- 14:33 â The Last Witch Hunter with Vin Diesel. Says if everything goes right, itâll start filming this summer.
- 15:12 â Status update on the sequel to Immortals. Theyâre trying to find the right story.
- 15:43 â Heâs hoping to make another 300 soon.