Released in 2014 and directed by Noam Murro, is a unique "side-quel" that takes place before, during, and after the events of the original film. While the first movie focused on the Spartan resistance at Thermopylae, this chapter shifts the perspective to the Athenian general Themistokles as he attempts to unite all of Greece against the invading Persian forces. Director: Noam Murro Producers: Zack Snyder, Deborah Snyder, and others Release Date: March 7, 2014 Box Office: $337.6 million worldwide Cast and Characters

The vengeful, high-ranking commander of the Persian navy. Her performance was widely cited as the highlight of the film.

The story begins with the Battle of Marathon, where Themistokles kills the Persian King Darius, an act that inadvertently fuels the rise of Xerxes. Years later, as Xerxes invades Greece, Themistokles must face the formidable Artemisia in a series of brutal naval battles, including the historic Battle of Artemisium and the Battle of Salamis.

The Athenian general who leads the Greek navy.

Reprising his role as the "God-King" of Persia.