Millennium Entertainment has set Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2: Die Harder) to direct their upcoming big screen adventure Hercules 3D. The project is being put on the fast track, in hopes they can beat Paramount and MGM's Hercules, which will be released on August 8, 2014.

Sean Hood and Hanna Weg wrote the screenplay, which Millennium has been developing since 2007. The script provides a revisionist take on the classic character from Greek mythology, although no story details have been provided. Here's what the director had to say about the project, comparing it to Best Picture winner Gladiator.

"It's not a comic book, cartoony fantasy thing. It's closer to Gladiator than flying horses."

When asked about the competing Hercules project, which has Dwayne Johnson attached to star and Brett Ratner slated to direct, Renny Harlin revealed they are two very different projects.

"I think these are very different kinds of movies in their approach to this legendary character. Obviously, Hercules has been portrayed in many different films, such as the Disney animated movie. I wish them luck. Ancient Greek mythology is an endless source of good stories ... Let's see both movies be successful."

Casting is expected to begin shortly for the eight lead roles, with Millennium hoping to begin production this May in Sofia, Bulgaria for a March 2014 release. Les Weldon and Danny Lerner are producing.