Rodrigo Santoro as Xerxes takes center stage in new ‘300 Rise of an Empire’ banner

The new banner from Legendary for the 300 sequel puts the villain center stage as Athens burns.

Rodrigo Santoro returns as Xerxes in 300: Rise of an Empire, a sequel to the 2006 hit film.

Announced by the phrase “When Xerxes Rises,” Athens is featured on fire as the new film will take place before, during and after the events of the first film, as the battle for Greece moves away from the dusty battlefield and onto the high seas.

A second banner was released just afterwards featuring action from the big water battle scene. Check it out below.

Themistokles is the Greek officer charged with halting the advancing Persian navy, with God-King Xerxes pouring much of his strength into an ocean-bound assault. This navy is led by the fearsome Artemesia (Eva Green), who exudes confidence and leadership in the footage released.

Director Noam Murro takes over for Zack Snyder with stars Lena Headey, David Wenham and Rodrigo Santoro returning.

300: Rise Of An Empire will open theaters on 7 March 2014.

Official synopsis: After its victory over Leonidas’ 300, the Persian Army under the command of Xerxes marches south towards the major Greek city-states. The Democratic city of Athens, first on the path of Xerxes’ army, bases its strength on its fleet, led by admiral Themistocles. Themistocles is forced to an unwilling alliance with the traditional rival of Athens, oligarchic Sparta whose might lies with its superior infantry troops. But Xerxes still reigns supreme in numbers over sea and land.