Summary
Almost two decades after300hit theaters in 2006, the two-film franchise is finally set to make its move to the small screen as a new project is announced to be in development with some old names attached to helm the return to Sparta.
Warner Broswas the distributor for 2006’s300,an adaptation of a Frank Miller graphic novel that itself was a fantastical adaptation of a real historical battle, and the film became an instant classic. With Zack Snyder at the helm, the project was able tocapture and deliver a mythical essence that enthralled audiences, received praise for its visuals, and had some calling Snyder a visionary and cinematic savior at the time. A subsequent film,300: Rise of an Empire, based on a previously unpublished comic by Miller was far less well-received, with many asking ifthe300sequel is even worth watching.
While the franchise has been more or less quiet since the release of the sequel, fans can finally look forward to some new content set in the world of Leonidas. DespiteWarner Bros killing Snyder’s plans for a third film in the franchise, a recent report byVarietyconfirms that the company now hasa300television series in early development. While there are no plot details available as of yet, current speculation seems to point to the show being a direct prequel to the 2006 film, likely entirely sidestepping the sequel in the process. This is the latest in a series of moves that has seen Warner Bros really dig into its solid gold back of intellectual properties to make projects with pre-existing fanbases a la the company’s return to Middle Earth for two newLord of the Ringsfilms.
WhileSnyder has given blunt refusal to queries about rejoining the DCU, another Warner Bros. property that he [revously headlined, the filmmaker has no such qualms about300and is reportedly in talks to return to the franchise he directed and co-wrotefor the television series. Along for the ride under the banner of his Stone Quarry production outfit would be his wife and300executive producer Deborah Snyder, as well as Wesley Coller. Gianni Nunnari, Mark Canton, and Bernie Goldmann are also set to reprise production roles from the film on the television series.
It’s hard to say how much interest remains in the original300franchise, as the first film eclipsed its source material and the second seemingly quelled the flames of desire for that world. However, many recent projects adjacent to the historical fantasy genre have seen success on streaming and the small screen recently, anda solid300series won’t fail to deliver in that regard. Considering the potential that a story like300has for mature themes and the fact thatZack Snyder is trying to make director’s cuts his entire brandwith a recent R-rated turnaround of his latest franchise, some fans might be relieved to see his return to the franchise is for a small-screen project. With a single chance to get it right and the lessons of both300: Rise of an EmpireandRebel Moonfailures at hand, Snyder might be able to deliver.
300is one of the better Zack Snyder filmsand could be one of the most impactful offerings for Max if the creative team and Warner Bros can get things right. Fans can wait and see for themselves ifreviving the franchise for streaming and bringing Snyder inwere good choices as things develop.
The300franchise is currently available for purchase on Video On Demand services.
