Warner Bros. Television is diving back into the ancient world with a “300” TV series adaptation. And yes, it’s still in the “we’re figuring it out” phase, so don’t hold your breath just yet. The exact plot details? Well, those are as clear as the Aegean Sea after a storm. But, sources whisper that the show would serve as a prequel to the blood-soaked 2006 film. No writer or platform has signed up for this madness, so the ink isn’t dry on any contracts yet.
The Usual Suspects
Negotiations are ongoing, but here’s a blast from the past: Zack Snyder, the mastermind behind the original “300” film, is in talks to direct and executive produce this new venture. Deborah Snyder, who executive produced the original film, is also likely to jump back into the fray under the Stone Quarry production banner, alongside Wesley Coller. And just to keep the nostalgia train rolling, original producers Gianni Nunnari, Mark Canton, and Bernie Goldmann are also in talks to return. Representatives for Warner Bros. Television had no comment, probably because they’re too busy trying to make this happen without spilling any Spartan blood.
From Graphic Novel to Box Office Gold
For those who somehow missed the cinematic bloodbath, “300” is based on Frank Miller and Lynn Varley’s graphic novel. The novel itself takes a creative stab at real historical events, inspired by the 1962 movie “The 300 Spartans.” In the 2006 film, Gerard Butler’s Leonidas leads a small band of elite soldiers against Xerxes I’s enormous Persian army. The film also starred Rodrigo Santoro as Xerxes, Lena Headey, David Wenham, Dominic West, Vincent Regan, Tom Wisdom, and Michael Fassbender. It grossed over $450 million globally on a $65 million budget, proving that people love a good underdog story—especially when it involves copious amounts of slow-motion violence and homoeroticism.
The Sequel That Couldn’t Quite Match Up
The success of “300” led to “300: Rise of an Empire” in 2014, based on Miller’s graphic novel “Xerxes.” Zack Snyder co-wrote the screenplay but didn’t direct this time. Despite featuring returning stars like Lena Headey and Rodrigo Santoro, and introducing Sullivan Stapleton as Themistocles, the sequel couldn’t quite capture the original’s lightning-in-a-bottle success, grossing $337 million on a $110 million budget.
Television: The New Battlefield
If the “300” series moves forward, it will join a growing list of films adapted for the small screen. Recognizable IPs are the streaming world’s bread and butter these days. Amazon recently ordered a “Legally Blonde” prequel series about Elle Woods’ high school years and released the “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” TV series with Donald Glover and Maya Erskine. Apple is prepping a “Time Bandits” series, while other films-turned-TV-shows include “Fatal Attraction,” “Sexy Beast,” and “Dead Ringers.”
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, if you’ve been craving more Spartan battles and epic speeches, keep your eyes peeled for updates on this “300” prequel series. In the meantime, maybe revisit the original film and marvel at Gerard Butler’s abs. They alone deserve their own series.
For more updates on this and other upcoming TV series, visit Hitplay.
