Empire has two exclusive new photos on Neil Marshall’s upcoming historical epic, Centurion. A UK-produced sword-and-sandals actioner, the film is a speculative investigation on the legendary Roman Ninth Legion during their quest to destroy the Picts north of Hadrian’s Wall.

Historically, the Ninth Legion set forth from Hadrian’s Wall with over 4,000 men and disappeared around 117 A.D.

While historians debate their fate, Marshall (who also wrote the script) says, “It’s not meant to be historically perfect. I’m picking up on a legend and exploring it… it’s an action thriller.” Centurion stars Michael Fassbender (Inglourious Basterds, Hunger), Dominic West (300, TV’s “The Wire”) and Olga Kurylenko (Quantum of Solace).

Marshall, who also directed Dog Soldiers and Doomsday, will always get a pass from me for The Descent, one of the best horror films of the past several years. That may not be saying much, but the way Marshall depicts the cavernous tunnels of the cave is more frightening than anything I’ve seen from a horror film in the last decade.

Centurion (due out in theaters sometime in 2010) looks lavishly produced and shot, with its dusky blue-grey hue, plus Fassbender is a rising star and an inspired casting stroke. I’m definitely looking forward to it as a possible return to form of sorts for the film’s writer/director.  Take a look at the pics below and tell us what you think.