The comic adaptation 300 has gone down in pop culture history for a variety of reasons. Be it the big breakthrough of Zack Snyder and Gerard Butler, the brutal action scenes or the battle cry “This is Sparta”. 300 is a cult classic. Every film fan knows Gerard Butler’s line.
Even though Gerard Butler had previously appeared in action films, he showed himself to be more dedicated than ever before in 300. But it was precisely the battle cry before he kicks a messenger into the well, caused a lot of laughter on set and for uncertainty at Butler.
“This is Sparta!”: The colleagues laughed, but the director was enthusiastic about Gerard Butler
Gerard Butler had already recorded several takes of the battle cry “This is Sparta!” recorded and director Zack Snyder was already ready to move on to the next scene. But Gerard Butler himself was not yet satisfied and asked for one last try. In a video with GQ, in which he talks about his best-known roles, he recalls the awkward situation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3rtedLsJFw&t=88s
Accordingly, the previous takes were much calmer and less aggressive, but just as serious. Then Gerard Butler put everything into this last attempt and screamed his line at the top of his lungs: “This is Sparta!” When he turned around, he saw his army and film crew standing behind him. They all laughed with their hands over their heads.
But then Zack Snyder came up to him and Butler asked him: “That was too much, wasn’t it?” The director reacted enthusiastically and replied: “Yes, but that was great!” His reaction encouraged Butler and gave him back the confidence he needed for the overacting that made his role of Leonidas so popular.
The scene in which Gerard Butler kicks the messenger into the well while screaming has been parodied many times and is probably the most famous line of Butler’s career. And all this thanks to his enthusiastic commitment.