Comic books and Hollywood films, does it really get any better than these two forms of entertainment?  The next best thing is when comics come to the big screen, which is for the most time (besides The Fantastic Four and Punisher franchises).  One of the most innovative graphic novels that heard the Hollywood call was done by Frank Miller.  Author of some of the best series’ of Batman, Miller had his own uniqueness on telling his view on one of the most important wars of all time involving the days of ancient Greeks and Persians.  That war is otherwise known as 300.  300 brave Spartans led by King Leonidas took on an overwhelming army of Persians, led by a god-like man, King Ahasuerus, otherwise known as Xerxes.

The movie, 300, directed by Zack Snyder (will be directing Superman: Man of Steel in 2012), and allowed audiences to view this war from the innovative mind of Frank Miller.  With great visual effects, action scenes and color made this film a must see for any action or history fan in 2006.  Now word has come down the pikes that Frank Miller will take a follow-up story to Hollywood as well.  The film will not feature Leonidas as its focal point, but King Xerxes.  The title, wait for it, Xerxes. Read on for more…

The film will actually be a prequel, showing fans how Xerxes comes to his “god-like” status in this time period.  Frank Miller broke the news officially to the LA Times saying, “The time frame begins 10 years before 300.  The story starts with the Battle of Marathon which involves the lead character, Themistocles, who became warlord of Greece and built their navy.”  The film will actually be directed by Guy Richie (known for Sherlock Holmes and Snatch) due to Snyder’s involvement in the next Superman project.  There are no for sure casting done so far, but it is said that King Leonidas will make an appearance in the film.  Gerard Butler, who played the Spartan king in 300, has not been officially set to return to the set as king; just the character will have a part to play in the prequel.  Another returning 300 character will be Ephialtes, the betraying, deformed Spartan.  What his role be in this film, only Frank Miller knows the answer to that.  The film is set for a tentative release in 2013.

I am a big fan of Greek Mythology and I loved Miller’s vision in 300.  The film in my opinion took the audiences into ancient Greece and showed the audience how the Greeks viewed their enemies as, sometimes as huge monsters that seemed to overpowering to beat.  With the cinematography and visual effects made 300 very enjoyable to watch.  It was one of the first films I purchased on Blu-ray, just to see what HD could give this film.  Now with the same direction and vision for a prequel, Xerxes should give everything that the first film gave fans.  I will be eagerly awaiting this film’s release, and something tells me that I won’t be the only one.  When we here of casting news or rumored plot stories, you will hear it here at DHTG.  Until then, continue to yell, “Spartans” at the top of your lungs and prepare for war, just do it quietly at work though, could get into lots of trouble…..

Sources:  Nerdbastards.com and DeskofBrian.com