Question 1

Why did Zack Snyder originally want Brad Pitt to play King Leonidas?

Accepted Answer

Zack Snyder wanted Brad Pitt for the role due to his performance as another ancient Greek hero, Achilles, in Troy (2004), but Pitt turned it down due to other film commitments.

Question 2

What insult is hidden in Leonidas' final words to Ephialtes?

Accepted Answer

Leonidas tells Ephialtes 'may you live forever,' which is an insult against his desire to be a Spartan, whose greatest glory is to die in battle. The name Ephialtes later meant 'nightmare' or 'ultimate traitor' in Greek.

Question 3

How did Gerard Butler's helmets change throughout the battle scenes?

Accepted Answer

Gerard Butler had 17 helmets made for him, each representing a stage of degradation throughout the battle.

Question 4

What unusual training did the male cast undergo to prepare for their roles?

Accepted Answer

The male cast underwent an 8-week training regime organized by mountain climber Marc Twight, never repeating the same exercise twice to prevent adaptation. Gerard Butler called it the most difficult thing he's ever done.

Question 5

How did Leonidas unexpectedly become king of Sparta?

Accepted Answer

Leonidas was third in line to the throne but became king after his older half-brother Cleomenes fled into exile suspected of insanity, and his older full brother Dorieus had left Greece in a jealous rage.

Question 6

Why did Zack Snyder originally want Brad Pitt to play King Leonidas?

Accepted Answer

Zack Snyder wanted Brad Pitt for the role due to his performance as another ancient Greek hero, Achilles, in Troy (2004), but Pitt turned it down due to other film commitments.

Question 7

What insult did Leonidas deliver to Ephialtes with his final words?

Accepted Answer

Leonidas' final words 'may you live forever' were an insult against Ephialtes' desire to be a Spartan, whose greatest glory is to die in battle. The name 'ephialtes' later meant 'nightmare' or 'ultimate traitor' in Greek.

Question 8

How did Leonidas become king despite being third in line to the throne?

Accepted Answer

Leonidas was third in line after his half-brother Cleomenes and full brother Dorieus. After Cleomenes fled into exile suspected of insanity, Leonidas became the remaining heir, making him one of few Spartan kings to undergo the harsh agoge training.

Question 9

What extreme training did the male cast undergo to portray Spartan warriors?

Accepted Answer

The principal cast underwent an 8-week training regime organized by mountain climber Marc Twight, never repeating exercises to prevent adaptation. Gerard Butler called it the most difficult thing he's ever done.

Question 10

What historical event inspired the story of '300'?

Accepted Answer

The film is loosely based on the 480 B.C. Battle of Thermopylae, where the King of Sparta led his army against advancing Persians, inspiring Greece to band together and helping usher in the world's first democracy.

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