Rodrigo Santoro talks ‘300’ sequel, Xerxes and role in ‘300: Rise of an Empire’
While promoting his role in the film “The Last Stand” the Brazilian actor Rodrigo Santoro discussed his role as Xerxes in the sequel to the 2006 film “300.” Speaking with the LA Times Santoro reflected on the difficulty of preparation, months in the gym to return the musculature he had the Zack Snyder blockbuster.
Rodrigo Santoro as Xerxes in “300”
“It was intense,” the actor said. “It was a very specific physique that character has. He’s very specifically described by Frank in the graphic novel and Zack wanted to be very faithful to that description.”
“300” was based on a graphic novel by Frank Miller and Snyder’s presentation faithfully followed the story, the characters and the details. Of course, the his physical appearance was just the first step of portraying Xerxes. On the set of “300: Rise of an Empire” in Bulgaria, Santoro would spend five hours in makeup to transform into this villain.
Below are some photos of Santoro in “300” and the Xerxes from the Miller comic
To make this role more daunting, Santoro rarely is with the other actors on a set.
“It was a challenge because it was all blue screen,” he said. “When you act against a blue screen, you have to imagine what’s not there. But because my character is a giant, my sight lines are so low, I was talking to a tennis ball the whole time.”
Santoro assures the “300’s” faithful will be happy with the new film, which is being marketed not as a sequel or a prequel but its own freestanding thing.
“The movie looks cool. It’s beautiful,” said Santoro. “It’s like ’300′ but there are fresh things in there. It’s a smart way to do a sequel. The fans are going to be pleased.”
Directed by Noam Murro, Eva Green (“Dark Shadows”) joins Santoro with Sullivan Stapleton, and Cullan Mulvey.
“300: Rise of an Empire” is set for a August 2, 2013 release date.
