New 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE Photos and Character Bios

For those looking forward to seeing the next, Noam Murro‘s vision of the 300 world, 300: Rise of an Empire, we bring a few new pics and character descriptions. Check them all out after the jump. First, our hero:

Themistokles Walking the line between savvy statesman and battle-hardened soldier, this Greek general has no illusions about what motivates men, kings or gods. He knows well how the game is played. A master strategist, Themistokles holds an unflinching vision for the glory of Greece and will do whatever it takes to realize that vision—whether leading the charge on the battlefield or subtly working his influence behind the scenes. Now, facing the onslaught of the massive Persian navy, he may be outnumbered but not out-maneuvered. Knowing there's more at stake here than his life and the lives of his men, he will gamble everything on a daring plan that could seal the fate of Greece and the future of democracy. Sullivan Stapleton takes on the nuanced role and describes Themistokles as a “people person,” just one of the many facets that make up this richly developed character — a man of wit and persuasive charm, as well as steely determination.

And now, the villainess:

Artemisia A woman commanding armies in a man's world, this skilled and ruthless warrior — the real power behind Xerxes' throne — knows that the rules have never applied to her. And never will. Meeting Themistokles head-on with the Persian armada, Artemisia will set the sea on fire, assaulting Greece not only for power and glory but for vengeance, the roots of which are known only to herself…and for which she is willing to sacrifice thousands and alter the fate of nations. Bringing the volatile, vindictive and unapologetically ambitious warrior Artemisia to life is Eva Green, who says, “I love playing evil characters, but ones who are complex, and have a reason to behave in such a way… It's always more interesting.”