Trojan Man Eric Bana gives us the lowdown on Troy, this summer's epic sword-and-sandals battle royal.

Troy, for the two of you who didn't make it through the Illiad in high school, is a simple tale of boy meets girl, boy romances girl, girl's husband declares war on boy's people. During a visit to the Spartan kingdom of Menelaus (Brendan Gleeson), Trojan pretty boy Paris (Orlando Bloom) seduces Menelaus' wife, Helen (Diane Kruger). A ticked-off Menelaus implores his brother Agamemnon (Brian Cox) to gather up the troops, which include kick-ass warrior Achilles (Brad Pitt) and famous wanderer Odysseus (Sean Bean), to get Helen back. Since Paris is a lover, not a fighter, the defense of Troy rests in the hands of his brawny older brother Hector, played by Black Hawk Down and Hulk star Eric Bana.

Maxim: So what's Hector's story?

Bana: He's Paris' older brother, and he's the prince of Troy. What I like about him is that he's on a reluctant journey: He's put in this position because of his stupid younger brother. It's cool to see this guy stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Maxim: How grueling were the battle scenes?

Bana: Extremely, but it was fun. Lots of sword and horse-riding training. I'd never done anything like it. On Black Hawk Down we did gun stuff, but this was different. We basically did fight choreography every single day. It was like being a pro athlete.

Maxim: Not to mention the punishment on the little Bana.

Bana: Yeah, there's that as well! [laughs] You're just covered with stuff-a shield across your back, a sword in one hand and the reins of the horse in the other. Plus, you're wearing the most ridiculous excuse for footwear you've ever seen.

Maxim: You got your start doing stand-up-any plans for making a comedy?

Bana: No, I did that for a long time, and I'm glad to move on. American audiences are like, "Do a comedy." But Australian audiences are like, "We've seen enough of your comedy." So I can't win.

Maxim: You've done Black Hawk Down, Hulk, and now this. Are you sick of violence?

Bana: I should be done with it now. I guess I'm making up for all those years of stand-up. But I did Finding Nemo too!

Maxim: But you played a shark.

Bana: Oh, right. [laughs]