Although Con Iggulden is probably best known now as the co-author of the insanely popular Dangerous Book For Boys, for most of his career he’s written historical fiction, including the popular Emperor series, based around the life of Julius Caesar, tracing it from his childhood to his eventual murder.
Now a group of producers, including the guys from Hollywood Gang, who made 300, have decided to try and turn the first two books, The Gates Of Rome and The Field Of Swords, into a movie. The novels deal with Ceasar and Brutus being raised to be noble Roman soldiers. Julius eventually becomes the most powerful warrior in the world, with the man who will eventually betray him at his side, as they become the toast of the Roman army. However romantic and emotional entanglements challenge the men, and hint towards what will eventually happen.
So who’s going to direct this trip into the ancient past? Well, Deadline reports Burr Steers is the man who’s got the job. He would seem a bit of a strange choice, as so far he’s stayed in teen territory with Igby Goes Down and the Zac Efron films 17 Again and the upcoming Charlie St. Cloud. However, Steers says, “I’ve always had an interest in Julius Caesar and his formative years and am thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of this project. There has never been a film that focuses on Caesar as a young man, and Conn Iggulden, [and Jarhead screenwriters] Bill Broyles and Stephen Harrigan have a completely fresh, timely, and exciting take on one of the greatest historical figures of all time.”
And with Burr having made two movies already with Zac Efron, does this mean we might see the High School Musical star as Julius Caesar? It’s difficult to imagine, but not impossible.