Willis in Gladiator Epic

Movies
George Clooney is to produce a Gladiator-style epic 'Gates of Fire'. Bruce Willis (soon to be 47 years old) will be taking the main lead in the story about the Battle of Thermopylae. Willis is "anxious to make it" says Clooney.

Clooney (former ER star) and director Steven Soderbergh (Traffic) own the rights to the movie, which is based on the novel by Steven Presfield. The movie is about the brave stand by 300 Spartans against 20,000 Persians.

Clooney, 39, told Ananova:
"It's an amazing story. Gladiator was one of the best films of the year. No doubt about that.

"But Gates of Fire is an even better story. I keep getting calls at all times of day from Bruce who's anxious to make it. I don't think he's going to give up either.

"Me? I'm terrible with swords and I look even worse in a Greek skirt."


Directing the £60 million movie is Micheal Mann, and production starts in spring next year.