Eva Green to star in `300` prequel

Los Angeles: `Casino Royale` star Eva Green is set to star in `300: The Battle Of Artemisia`, taking on the role of Greek goddess Artemisia.The 31-year-old actress is being lined to take on the lead female role in 5th century film, which is a prequel to Zack Snyder`s `300`, the Hollywood Reporter said. The film tells the story of Greek General Themistocles, who led Athens against Persian invaders in a battle that played out simultaneously with the Battle of Thermopylae, depicted in the first film. Green will play Artemisia, who is described as "a ruthless, gold-covered goddess who persuades Xerxes to amass his army and helps lead them into battle". "We have to say that Zack Snyder and Kurt Johnstad, his writing partner, have killed it. They`ve done a tremendous job making a highly intelligent, epic story that will stand on its own. But it`s not a conventional sequel and, for what we do, that`s what you hope and pray for. That you can be original and authentic at the same time," said Mark Canton, the film`s producer. Noam Murro is being lined up to direct the project and shooting is set to begin next spring. PTI