The Persians Are Coming

Back in 2006, director Zack Snyder scored a huge hit with 300, making a big star outta Gerard Butler in the process.

Next spring, 300: Rise of an Empire will take a stab at the same kind of glory.

The sorta prequel, sorta sequel is set before, during, and after the events of the first film.

Brazilian stud Rodrigo Santoro will be back as Xerxes, the Persian king who marches his empire south toward Athens, teaming up along the way with Eva Green’s Artemisia, who promises to attack the Greeks with her entire navy.

Defending Athens will be Themistocles, played by Sullivan Stapleton (pictured here) from Cinemax’s Strike Back. The famed archon and general will be instrumental in defeating Xerxes, as well as an ally to the also-returning Queen Gorgo of Sparta (Lena Headey).

Enough history lesson – check out the trailer, yo.

Photo: ItsKindaCool.com.