Key takeaways:
– Zack Snyder, known for directing controversial films, had plans for a third ‘300' movie.
– He intended to explore the relationship between Hephaestion and Alexander the Great.
– However, Warner Bros weren't interested, citing the romantic storyline as not fitting the series' aesthetic.
– It remains unclear if the rejection was due to the controversial storyline or the uneasy relationship between Snyder and Warner Bros.
The Stormy Love-Hate Relationship Between Zack Snyder and Hollywood
Hollywood has its fair share of divisive figures, but perhaps none as much as director Zack Snyder. His controversial and, at times, ahead-of-their-era films have polarized audiences and studio executives alike. The much-admired director of 300, Snyder's unique storytelling style has been replicated, but not always liked.
Snyder's 300 Series: Cult Classics and a Seal of Authority
Among his more popular works stand films like ‘300' as well as its sequel, ‘Rise of An Empire'. These films set high bars in the historical drama genre and cemented Snyder's reputation as someone with a distinct visionary style. So great was the impact he made with these movies that Warner Bros. handed him the helm of the nascent DCEU. There was even talk of a third ‘300' movie. Sadly, this project never saw the light of day.
Behind the Scenes: The Untold Story of 300 Trilogy
Based on Frank Miller's graphic novel, the ‘300' series was a major factor in Snyder's blossoming fame. It sparked renewed interest in historical epics, inspiring similar works like ‘Exodus: Gods and Kings' and ‘Immortals'. Following the success of the two ‘300' movies, Snyder planned a third in the series. This one featured a storyline centered on the life of Alexander the Great.
In an interview with The Playlist, Snyder opened up about his plans. He revealed that his idea for the third ‘300' film took an unexpected turn during development. Instead of producing another brutal war epic, he found himself drafting a love story between Alexander the Great and Hephaestion.
Snyder's Unexpected Detour: A Love Story That Didn't Resonate
Snyder confessed that he ventured into a territory he was less familiar with while penning this sequel – a romantic love story. Unfortunately, this shift in genre didn't sit well with Warner Bros.
The ‘300' series is famed for high-octane action sequences. Moviegoers loved watching Spartan and Athenian warriors wrestle against the mighty Persian empire. Snyder's plan for a romanctic storyline in his threequel would've steered the story in a wholly different direction – something that Warner Bros wasn't exactly keen to explore.
Relationship Troubles: Warner Bros Rebuff Snyder's Plan
Despite Snyder's enthusiasm for his concept, Warner Bros showed less than enthusiastic response. The director admitted that they weren't eager to deviate from the trademark aesthetic of the ‘300' series. Whether it was the controversial nature of the script or the longstanding tension between Snyder and WB, it's unclear exactly what prompted their decision.
The Potential Controversy Waiting to Unfold
Historical accuracy could have also been a potential issue, as historians themselves are still debating over whether Alexander and Hephaestion shared a romantic relationship or a deep friendship. Moving forward with this storyline as intended by Snyder, Warner Bros would've courted a potential controversy.
In conclusion, Zack Snyder's vision for a romantic ‘300' sequel never saw the light of day. Meanwhile, fans still have the original ‘300' and its sequel ‘300: Rise of An Empire' available to stream on Max. Whether a third film ever comes to fruition under a different director remains to be seen. For now, we can only speculate what might have been.
