Warner Bros hires directors for 300 spin-off and Akira remake

There is a man in Hollywood who has been entrusted with two giant action franchises, and the only other feature film to his name is the disappointing dramedy Smart People.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Noam Murro has been hired by Warner Bros to helm the 300 spin-off 300: Battle of Artemisia (previously known as Xerxes). Bruce Willis personally selected Murro to direct Die Hard 5, so Hollywood must know something about him that we don’t.

Murro beat out Juame Collet-Serra (Unknown) for the role. Collet-Serra was instead handed the reins to the Akira remake.

300: Battle of Artemisia will be based upon Frank Miller’s upcoming graphic novel and focuses on the struggles of Persian leader Xerxes, who acted as antagonist in 300.

Discuss: Which are you most excited for? Battle of Artemisia, Akira or Die Hard 5?