WB uses 'The Iceman' to promote 300

By M&C Movie News Dec 30, 2006, 9:48 GMT

Based on the epic graphic novel by Frank Miller, 300 is a ferocious retelling of the ancient Battle of Thermopylae in which King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and 300 Spartans fought to the death against Xerxes and his massive Persian army. Facing insurmountable odds, their valor and sacrifice inspire all of Greece to unite against their Persian enemy, drawing a line in the sand for democracy. The film brings Miller’s (Sin ...more

BURBANK, CA.(M&C News) – As portrayed in Warner Bros. Pictures’ new action adventure ‘300,’ the Spartans were the original ultimate fighters of ancient Greece. 

Now the studio is teaming with today’s Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC) Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck Liddell, a.k.a. “The Iceman,” to promote the film, which opens nationwide on March 9, 2007 in a first-of-its-kind sponsorship.

Kicking off the promotion, Warner Bros. will be sponsoring Liddell in his next Ultimate Fight in Las Vegas on December 30, 2006.  In addition, Liddell will be making personal appearances and will lend his name and likeness to a variety of other promotions that will be taking place across the country in the months leading up to the film’s release.

Based on the epic graphic novel by Frank Miller, ‘300’ is a ferocious retelling of the ancient Battle of Thermopylae in which King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and 300 Spartans fought to the death against Xerxes and his massive Persian army.

Facing insurmountable odds, their valor and sacrifice inspire all of Greece to unite against their Persian enemy, drawing a line in the sand for democracy.  The film brings Miller’s (‘Sin City’) acclaimed graphic novel to life by combining live action with virtual backgrounds that capture his distinct vision of this ancient historic tale.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents in association with Legendary Pictures and Virtual Studios, a Mark Canton - Gianni Nunnari Production, ‘300.’ 

Directed by Zack Snyder (‘Dawn of the Dead’), the film stars Gerard Butler (‘The Phantom of the Opera’), Lena Headey (‘The Brothers Grimm’), David Wenham (‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy) and Dominic West (‘The Forgotten’). 

The screenplay is written by Zack Snyder & Kurt Johnstad and Michael B. Gordon, based on the graphic novel by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley.

‘300’ is produced by Gianni Nunnari (‘The Departed’), Mark Canton (‘Land of the Dead’), Bernie Goldmann (‘Land of the Dead’) and Jeffrey Silver (‘Training Day’) with Deborah Snyder, Frank Miller, Craig J. Flores, Thomas Tull, William Fay and Benjamin Waisbren serving as executive producers. 

‘300’ will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.  This film has been rated “R” for “graphic battle sequences throughout, some sexuality and nudity.”