Xerxes Retitled 300: Battle of Artemisia

As reported earlier this year, Zack Snyder's involvement with Man of Steel is going to prevent him from returning for the 300 sequel, formerly titled Xerxes. Now, Deadline reports that the list of potential replacement directors is down to two: Noam Murro and Jaume Collet-Serra and that the film has officially been retitled 300: Battle of Artemisia.

Based on an upcoming comic book from 300 creator Frank Miller, the project is said to tell of the history of the "King of Kings" and his rise to power in fifth-century-BC Persia. Supposedly beginning about ten years before 300, the prequel would also offer an opportunity for Gerard Butler to reprise his role as Leonidas.

Murro's sole feature directing credit is the 2008 indie comedy/drama Smart People, though he's also responsible for the live-action marketing campaign for the video game franchise Halo and is attached to direct Die Hard 5. Jaume Collet-Serra, meanwhile, directed Orphan and, mostly recently, Unknown. He's also said to be helming the upcoming "Dracula" tale, Harker.