This is just a brief update on last night's story about Sullivan Stapleton(Animal Kingdom) scoring the lead role in the now untitled follow-up to 300. At the time it was unclear what his role would be, with much of the speculation leaning towards him playing Xerxes, the ambitious Persian ruler and central figure in the previous film. Now it's being reported Stapleton will actually play Xerxes' rival, the Athenian naval commander, Themistocles.
Rodrigo Santoro, who played Xerxes in 300, is apparently in talks to reprise the role. Eva Green was cast a few weeks ago as Artemisia, the golden goddess who encourages the conqueror to embrace his destiny. Zack Snyder and Kurt Johnstad co-wrote the script, based on the upcoming graphic novel by Frank Miller which was designed as a prequel, starting with the Battle of Marathon and following Xerxes' decade long quest for godhood. Noam Murro is set to direct. [Deadline]
