First pictures of 300 sequel revealed

The first look at the sequel to '300', '300: Rise of an Empire', has arrived online.

USA Today premiered the snaps, the first of which shows a muscle-bound army of spear-rattling chaps on a boat.

[Related story: The 'offensive' films Iran could sue]

The second shows Australian actor Sullivan Stapleton, recently seen in 'Gangster Squad', in his starring role as Themistocles.

Director Noam Murro reckons that 'Rise of an Empire' is to be a much bigger, ambitious affair than Zack Snyder's first 2006 film.

“[Rise of an Empire] happens over time in many different locations,” he said. “The opportunities for the six distinct battles are even greater with different locations and tactics.

“The few against the many is still here. It’s hundreds vs. hundreds of thousands. It’s about taking on the mightiest power of all with wisdom and tactics.”

The film also stars Eva Green as Artemesia, Brazilian actor Rodrigo Santoro as Xerxes, the king of Persia, and 'Game of Thrones' Lena Headey as Queen Gorgo of Sparta.

Like the first film, it's based on a graphic novel by the legendary Frank Miller, while Snyder is also producing and credited for the screenplay too.

It's set for release on August 2.

The first film was a smash hit, scoring a box office haul of over $450 million (£294 million) from its $65 million (£42 million) budget.

It was only Snyder's second feature, following his remake of 'Dawn of the Dead', and catapulted him into the Hollywood directorial big time.

He went on to helm the big screen adaptation of 'Watchmen' and is currently finishing up Superman reboot 'Man of Steel'.