Could Joel Edgerton be replacing Gerard Butler in 300: Battle of Artemisia?

It’s kind of funny actually… There’s been talk of a prequel to Zack Snyder’s 300 for a long time now and one thing that has never really seemed to come up is the original film’s star – Gerard Butler. Will he be back for this prequel?

According to NY Mag’s Vulture that doesn’t seem to be the case. Apparently Warner Bros. are looking at Joel Edgerton to star in 300: BATTLE OF ARTEMISIA. Worry not though, Edgerton wouldn’t be taking over Butler’s role as ‘King Leonidas.’ Instead Edgerton would be taking on a new character: ‘Themosticles, the famed archon and general who led the Greeks to victory against the invading Persians in 480 BCE.’ Here’s the official rundown of Frank Miller’s upcoming graphic novel, which BATTLE OF ARTEMISIA is based off of:

Artemisia is based on Frank Miller’s upcoming graphic novel that takes Xerxes, the Persian leader who is an antagonist in 300, 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.

So there you have it folks. While Edgerton (above) isn’t officially signed on yet we do know that Noam Murro will be directing a script Zack Snyder co-wrote. Word on whether or not the actor decides to battle some Persians should come our way soon so be sure to check back for that.