It is well known know that a prequel/sequel to 300 will be happening, however, we haven’t heard what they plan to make it about. Well IESB spoke to Zack Snyder at a Watchmen preview today, and he revealed some interesting details on the possible story.

In short, Snyder says he’s spoken with Frank Miller who will be writing and drawing the graphic novel that the second film will be based on. Upon Miller’s completion of the book, then, and only then, will they delve into writing a script for the movie.

Snyder continued and said he would not have any input into the novel and wants it to be a creation of Miller’s 100%.

Snyder also said it will take place between the Battle of Thermopylae and the Battle of Plataea, the battle that narrator Dilios is at while re-telling the story of King Leonidas and the mighty Spartans to a new group of warriors at the end of 300.

Snyder also told IESB that would definitely direct this sequel/prequel and is looking forward to Miller’s completion of the book.

There has been talk of another charge into the 300 universe ever since it made Warner Bros rather rich last March. Well, Gerard Butler was recently asked to share any details he may have while on the rounds for the Guy Ritchie crime flick RocknRolla. From Superhero Hype!

Unfortunately, Butler hasn’t heard anything more then we have, and he seemed rather dubious of the film’s franchise potential. “I’ve heard some backroom chatter, but nothing more, so I don’t know if it would be a sequel or a prequel. I don’t want say anymore than that, because I really don’t know. I haven’t read anything. I can’t see it myself–sequel for me absolutely not, but I just mean the idea generally, I’m really not sure which way they would go with that.”

I feel the same as Butler. I am happy with 300 staying as a standalone film and I can’t see what they would do if they were to make a prequel/sequel. If Zack Snyder ends up directing then it may increase my interest.

Where do you think they can go if another movie is made?

Collider spoke with 300 producers Mark Canton, Gianni Nunnari and Bernie Goldmann at the recent Saturn Awards and got them to reveal that not only are they working on a Blu-ray edition of the film but they’re also planning a sequel and/or prequel. Frank Miller is busy working on a brand new story and director Zack Snyder says that if they think it could work as a movie, they’re going to make it!

I know some people would prefer 300 to stay as a standalone film, however this is Hollywood. 300 was a surprise hit for Warner Bros, having septupled (x7) its budget, so it makes business sense to jump on the sequel bandwagon.

What are your thoughts?

In a couple of weeks it will be exactly one year since we saw Gerard Butler and company kick all kinds of ass in Zack Snyder’s 300. The awesome trailers and amazing effect meant that many charged to see it, and it has made just over $450 million worldwide. Considering it only cost a relatively small $65 million to make, that’s a huge profit for Warner Bros and everyone involved. So, Hollywood being Hollywood it is obvious that the word ’sequel’ may pop up eventually…and today it has.

SOS Hollywood spoke to producer Mark Canton while he was doing rounds for The Spiderwick Chronicles. They are either reading too much into body language, or he is hinting something big!

Is a new 300 a reality? Should we expect to meet you again on a press junket for that?
(Another gigantic smile)
Wouldn’t it be nice to do that again with Zack (Snyder).

So you’re going for it, right?
I just said “wouldn’t it be nice?”. But I’d love to. (and he winked). Budgets are really a problem to approve these days. (Another smile and left the room).

As subtle messages are the most important way of telling something that cannot be told in Hollywood, the true answer is yes. A very good source within Warner Bros. also confirmed that all things are ready to start once the company greenlights the project.

I would only be happy with this if Zack Snyder returns. It was his vision that made 300 amazing, so if anyone else got their hands on this it would probably not be as good. Nothing is actually confirmed yet, but if a producer hints at budget discussions then something is going on.

THIS IS…spar…I mean…interesting.

Any suggestions for a possible title? They could go down the route of a well known Disney classic and call it 301 Spartans. How about a simple 400? Maybe 300: Full Throttle? 300: Dead Mans Pecs? 300: At Cliffs End?

I could do this all day…

ComingSoon have posted a list of the seven films that remain in contention for the Achievement in Visual Effects for the 80th Academy Awards. On Wednesday, January 16, members of the Academy’s Visual Effects Branch will watch a 15 minute excerpt from each film, and then nominate three who will go forward for the final consideration. Here they are:

The Golden Compass

Transformers

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End

The Bourne Ultimatum

Evan Almighty

300

I Am Legend