Zack Snyder regains rights for ‘Blood and Ashes,’ the ‘300‘ sequel from Warner Bros., originally pitched as a continuation. The script explores the relationship between Alexander the Great and his general, Hephaestion.
‘Blood and Ashes’ is Snyder’s original vision for a ‘300’ sequel transformed into an ancient Greek war epic with a gay love story centered around Alexander the Great and his second in command, Haphaestion. Despite initial interest from Warner Bros. executive Courtenay Valenti, the studio decided not to proceed, marking one of Snyder’s last projects with the studio.
‘Blood and Ashes’ Rights are Back to Zack Snyder
Snyder, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, revealed that he and his producing partner and wife, Deborah Snyder, have successfully reclaimed the rights from the studio and are now free to explore other opportunities for the project.
Snyder said, “We got the rights back so we can make if we want it.” Snyder added, “I don’t know what the marketplace is for an incredibly homoerotic, super violent, super sexual movie. But maybe it’s perfect.”
Snyder appears confident in the project, hinting at the possibility of greenlighting production at any time. According to reports, Netflix is currently in discussions to pick up the ‘Blood and Ashes’ project. Also, Snyder’s upcoming films, ‘Rebel Moon Part 1 and 2,’ are slated for release on Netflix.
Recently, Snyder revealed that he is interested in a true adaptation of ‘Dark Knight Returns’ within James Gunn‘s DC Universe. Snyder said, “I called him and said I wish all the best for him.” Snyder would later say about Gunn moving into his old Fortress of Solitude. “I told him I wanted it to work.” He says if Gunn invited him back to DCU, he would only be interested in doing a true adaption of ‘Dark Knight Returns’.
‘300‘ (2006) is an epic war film directed by Snyder, portraying the Battle of Thermopylae, where 300 Spartans led by King Leonidas face off against the Persian army. The sequel, “300: Rise of an Empire” (2014), directed by Noam Murro, explores the Battle of Artemisium, a parallel event to the first film.
Snyder’s ‘Rebel Moon Part 1: A Child of Fire‘ and ‘Rebel Moon Part Two: The Scargiver‘ are set for Netflix premieres on December 22, 2023, and April 19, 2024, respectively.