If you’re around my age, and you had cable television, you have probably seen the 1981 film “Clash of the Titans” around a thousand times. Based very (very) loosely on the legend of Perseus, the story was truly epic, featuring a wide array of Harryhausen monsters and glowing, berobed gods and goddesses meddling in human affairs.

Harry Hamlin as Perseus

So imagine my surprise (and, I must admit, delight) in learning that not only are they remaking “Clash of the Titans” but the film is in direct competition with another film steeped in Greek myth and legend entitled “War of Gods”.

“The race for “War of the Gods” and “Clash of the Titans,” two rival projects set up at Relativity and Warners, is quickening. Both are close to casting their leads, with “Stardust” topliner Henry Cavill set to star in “Gods” and “Terminator Salvation” star Sam Worthington in negotiations to climb aboard “Titans,” which Thunder Road is producing and Legendary Pictures is co-producing.” In addition, the projects have set start dates. “Gods” would seem to have the edge — it’s tentatively planned for a February shoot, while production on “Titans” is slated to begin in April.”

What is interesting about both of these films, especially from the perspective of Pagans and Greek myth fans, is that they will directly address and involve mythological beings and deities. Breaking a recent trend to secularize or demean pre-Christian religion in films like “300″ or “Troy”.

“‘War of Gods’ concerns the battles waged by Theseus, a warrior from Greek mythology, who leads a fight against the imprisoned titans. Among the hooks is that, unlike some mythological tales, gods fight alongside mortals.”

While I sincerely doubt either film will hew close to actual Greek myth (Theseus never fought Titans alongside the gods), I’m not adverse to seeing new myths constructed for new times. Plus, with today’s green screen technology, you can expect some truly spectacular effects (though Harryhausen monsters will always hold a special place in my heart). Both films are scheduled to be released in 2010. It should be interesting to see who triumphs at the box-office, the son of Zeus, or the son of Poseidon?

Tags: Clash of the Titans, film, Greece, movies, Myth, Paganism, War of Gods