The blood-soaked world of 300 is back, and this time, it’s telling the story of warriors who fought long before King Leonidas’ famous stand. The first official trailer for Zack Snyder’s 300: Born of an Empire has just been released, and Dwayne Johnson takes center stage as the leader of an ancient warrior faction in an epic gladiator-inspired story of honor, betrayal, and battle.
Directed by Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen), Born of an Empire is a prequel to the original 300 films, taking us back to the founding of the legendary Spartan empire. Johnson’s character, Aleron, is a warrior 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 in the shadow of Sparta’s rise. After being betrayed by his people, he seeks revenge against a corrupt empire, rallying his own army of gladiators to fight for freedom and power. The film explores his personal journey, the brutal tactics of ancient warfare, and the bloody path to becoming a kingmaker.
The teaser opens with a dramatic shot of a bloodied battlefield, where a heavily scarred Aleron (Johnson) stands, sword in hand, watching as his warriors emerge from the smoke. His voiceover is deep and foreboding: “I was 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 to die for an empire. But I will die to build one.”
Key moments from the trailer include:
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Aleron’s rise from an outcast warrior to a fierce leader of a gladiator army, battling through relentless wars and broken alliances
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Intense training sequences showing Johnson’s character in brutal hand-to-hand combat with his soldiers, building a brotherhood forged in blood
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A massive, visually stunning battle against an empire’s army, with warriors clashing in slow motion, blood splattering as Aleron leads his gladiators into the fray
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Aleron’s emotional confrontation with a former Spartan general (played by Vin Diesel) who betrays him and seeks to destroy everything Aleron stands for
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A thrilling scene in the final moments of the trailer, where Aleron stands before a rising sun, the promise of power and glory before him—but at a great personal cost
The film brings Snyder’s signature visual style back to the big screen, blending slow-motion action sequences with grandiose world-building, all set against an epic, blood-spattered backdrop. Johnson’s portrayal of Aleron is intense and commanding, perfectly suited for the brutal world of gladiators and empires.
Fans of the 300 franchise are already reacting with excitement, with hashtags like #BornOfAnEmpire, #DwayneJohnson300, and #SpartanWarrior trending across social media.
Zack Snyder’s 300: Born of an Empire is set to hit theaters on March 19, 2026, with an exclusive IMAX release for the ultimate visual experience.
One warrior. One empire. And a battle that will decide the fate of a nation. ⚔️🔥