Noam Murro‘s feature work is limited to the mildly entertaining 2008 feature Smart People, a film that couldn’t be any further from the films his name has been mentioned alongside recently. He’s been attached to Die Hard 5 for quite a while, but it seems an even less likely gig has landed in his lap, and one that should be up and running long before Fox figures out what will happen when John McClane is asked to save the world the fifth time around.
The Hollywood Reporter is reporting Noam Murro has been hired to direct 300: Battle of Artemisia (formerly known as Xerses). Warner Bros. Murro beat out Unknown helmer Jaume Collet-Serra, after it was reported in late June the two were the last one’s left on the shortlist.
However, WB did the diplomatic thing and handed Collet-Serra the keys to direct their long gestating Akira adaptation following Albert Hughes’ departure.
300: Battle of Artemisia is being described as a spin-off to the 2007 surprise hit, 300 based on the graphic novel by Frank Miller. This new film will be based on Miller’s follow-up graphic novel that takes Xerxes, the Persian leader who served as the antagonist in 300 and was played by Rodrigo Santoro, and turns him into more of a pivotal figure. He’s a man in search of godhood after the death of his father, battling an Athenian warlord named Themistocles. The story takes place over the course of several years, but the focal point is the battle of Artemisium, which occured in 480 BC.
Zack Snyder directed 300 and co-wrote the script for Artemisia with his 300 partner Kurt Johnstad. The film is expected to be shot in the same hyper-stylized fashion as Snyder’s first film, though there is no word on whether or not Santoro will reprise his role as Xerxes. However, considering he’s willing to take gigs such as the ensemble rom-com What to Expect When You’re Expecting I think it’s safe to assume he’s likely open for an offer.
