Gerard Butler Signs on to Star in Frank Miller's "300"

Aug 16, 2005 - When I interviewed Gerard Butler at the Hollywood premiere of "Red Eye," he hinted about signing on to a new project that, in his words, was "huge." He couldn't disclose what it was at that time as the studio hadn't officially made the announcement. Now Warner Bros has made it official - Gerard Butler will star in the movie adaptation of Frank Miller's "300."

Based on true events, Butler stars as Spartan King Leonidas who leads 300 elite troops into battle against King Xerxes' massive Persian army at the battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC.

Zack Snyder ("Dawn of the Dead") will direct "300" with shooting expected to start in mid-October. Gianni Nunnari, Mark Canton, Bernie Goldmann, and Jeffrey Silver are producing the film. Snyder and Kurt Johnstad adapted Miller's book for the big screen.

According to Variety, "300" will rely significantly on Miller's stylized illustrations to create the look of the film.

Gerard Butler was last seen in "The Game of Their Lives," co-starring Wes Bentley, and recently wrapped production on "Beowulf & Grendel." Butler's credits also include "Dear Frankie," "Phantom of the Opera," "Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life," and "Reign of Fire."

SOURCE: Variety