Eva Green has entered negotiations to appear as the female lead, Artemisia, in the upcoming ’300′ prequel ‘Battle of Artemisia,’ according to the Hollywood Reporter. The ‘Casino Royale’ actress would play the ruthless, gold-covered goddess who convinces Xerxes to form an army. The Persian king-turned-god will lead the army against Greek forces, who have little training, but are under the guidance of general Themistokles. The prequel’s epic battle will occur at the same time as the fighting in the original film.

The news of Green’s possible casting comes as Warner Bros. is still looking for a male lead for the story that will set up Gerard Butler’s hit 2007 action film ’300.’ The studio is hoping to start production on ’300: Battle of Artemisia’ in the first quarter of 2012, with Noam Murro at the helm. Mark Canton, Gianni Nunnari, Bernie Goldman, Zack Snyder, Deborah Snyder and Thomas Tull are all set to produce the prequel.

Written by: Karen Benardello