Gerard Butler revealed the story behind his famous ‘I am Sparta’ dialogue and how his delivery was met with ridicule and laughter.

SUMMARY

Gerard Butler’s portrayal of Leonidas 1, King of Sparta, in the film 300 made him a desirable Hollywood star.
His iconic line, “This is Sparta,” was delivered with passion and emotion.
Butler was determined to ensure the sentiment was evident on screen, resulting in a war cry that made the crew laugh.

The muscled physique and charismatic presence of Gerard Butler as Leonidas 1, King of Sparta in Zack Snyder’s 300, made him one of Hollywood’s most desirable stars.

The Scottish actor though, was also responsible for delivering one of the most iconic lines in the film, ‘This is Sparta’, which is still remembered for the passionate way in which Butler uttered it

Gerard Butler and Zack Snyder on the sets of 300
While this, on the surface, seemed like a rather easy one-liner, the Plane actor revealed that he was very particular that the sentiment and emotion behind it must be evident on screen.

While his desperate enthusiasm resulted in a passionate and inspirational war cry that left many of the crew members in splits of laughter, director Zack Snyder came to the rescue by praising his efforts.

Gerard Butler’s Iconic One-Liner In 300 Made Everyone Laugh

The cry of ‘This is Sparta’ by Gerard Butler in Zack Snyder’s 300, will continue to be one of the most memorable lines in films, thanks to the actor’s complete involvement in saying it.

Butler spoke about the various ways and tones in which he tried to deliver the line, but was never satisfied with what he produced.
Gerard Butler’s animalistic delivery of ‘This is Sparta’ made crew members laugh
Desperate to get it right, he requested Snyder for one last take, and threw the kitchen sink into the scene, by screaming the line in a war-like cry of passion.

Speaking to GQ, the Scottish actor revealed the embarrassment he felt on seeing how the crew members on set reacted, but was grateful for Snyder backing his interpretation.
“And I turn around and all my army are literally like this (hand over his mouth hiding laughter). “And I go up to Zack and I go, ‘That was too much?’ And he goes, ‘Yeah! But it was awesome!’”
Thanks to Butler’s instinct for the line and Snyder’s confidence in him, ‘This is Sparta’ went on to become an inspirational dialogue in the film that also made the actor synonymous with his character.

Gerard Butler’s Gruelling Routine For 300 Was Worth It

Playing the mighty Greek King Leonidas 1 of Sparta is no mean feat, especially when it comes to the physicality of the part. Gerard Butler’s sculpted physique in 300 which made him one of Hollywood’s most desirable men, took a lot of hard work and toil.
Gerard Butler worked out for 6 hours a day to prepare for 300
The actor spoke of his strenuous routine and preparation for the role which included spending many hours at the gym. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Butler confessed that the effort of working out 6 hours a day doing CrossFit, bodybuilding, and fight choreography, was ultimately worth it.
“That was the best shape I have ever been in in my life. In some ways I was ruining my body, but I was looking amazing doing it.”
The actor’s dedication and determination to play the character to perfection reaped big rewards, with 300 going on to becoming one of the year’s biggest blockbusters.