Rodrigo Santoro makes his triumphant return in 300: Rise of an Empire. The action adventure film, opening March 7, also stars Sullivan Stapleton and Eva Green. In our exclusive behind the scenes video the cast and producers reveal how they made this companion piece to the original blockbuster 300.

Based on Frank Miller’s latest graphic novel Xerxes and told in the breathtaking visual style of the blockbuster “300,” this new chapter of the epic saga takes the action to a fresh battlefield—on the sea—as Greek general Themistokles (Sullivan Stapleton) attempts to unite all of Greece by leading the charge that will change the course of the war.

Sullivan Stapleton

Rodrigo Santoro

Eva Green

“300: Rise of an Empire” pits Themistokles against the massive invading Persian forces led by mortal-turned-god Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro), and Artemisia (Eva Green), vengeful commander of the Persian navy.

Click image for Behind the Scenes Video

Director: Noam Murro

Writers: Screenplay by Zack Snyder & Kurt Johnstad. Based on the graphic novel Xerxes by Frank Miller

Producers: Gianni Nunnari, Mark Canton, Zack Snyder, Deborah Snyder, Bernie Goldmann

Executive Producers: Thomas Tull, Frank Miller, Stephen Jones, Jon Jashni

Cast: Sullivan Stapleton, Eva Green, Lena Headey, Hans Matheson, Rodrigo Santoro, Callan Mulvey, David Wenham, Jack O’Connell, Andrew Tiernan, Igal Naor, Andrew Pleavin

In 3D and 2D in select theaters and IMAX on March 7

Director: Noam Murro

Writers: Screenplay by Zack Snyder & Kurt Johnstad. Based on the graphic novel Xerxes by Frank Miller

Producers: Gianni Nunnari, Mark Canton, Zack Snyder, Deborah Snyder, Bernie Goldmann

Executive Producers: Thomas Tull, Frank Miller, Stephen Jones, Jon Jashni

Cast: Sullivan Stapleton, Eva Green, Lena Headey, Hans Matheson, Rodrigo Santoro, Callan Mulvey, David Wenham, Jack O’Connell, Andrew Tiernan, Igal Naor, Andrew Pleavin