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Exclusive: It’s a tough task to re-invent Ben-Hur for the big screen. After all, the 1959 classic is one of the most loved films of all time. But that is exactly what screenwriter Keith Clarke decided to do. After researching subjects for a possible film about both the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the unrest in Belfast, Clarke and his wife, producer Joni Levin, were looking for a story about forgiveness. In their research on that project, they were dismayed to find so…...

The good news is that the story of Ben-Hur is so rock solid that not even the director of “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” can screw it up completely. The sixth feature-length film or miniseries to be adapted from Lew Wallace’s 1880 novel, “Ben-Hur: A Tale of The Christ,” Timur Bekmambetov’s take on the religious epic inevitably lacks the grandeur of Fred Niblo’s 1925 silent or the girth of William Wyler’s 1959 Oscar-hoarding classic. After all, this is 2016 (more specifically, the summer of 2016), a time when movies about Jesus are pitched only to the converted, and blockbusters can only be longer than 120 minutes if they end with two iconic superheroes fighting each other to a stalemate.

But if this new “Ben-Hur” was only provided with a fraction of the potential that’s been afforded to its predecessors, it sometimes finds the strength to reach out and scrape against its frustratingly low ceiling.

Chicago – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 50 pairs of advance-screening movie passes up for grabs to the highly anticipated drama “Ben-Hur” starring Jack Huston and Morgan Freeman!

“Ben-Hur,” which opens on Aug. 19, 2016 and is rated “PG-13,” also stars Toby Kebbell, Rodrigo Santoro, Nazanin Boniadi, Ayelet Zurer and Sofia Black D’Elia from director Timur Bekmambetov and writer Keith R. Clarke based on the novel by Lew Wallace.

To win your free passes to “Ben-Hur” courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, just get interactive with our social media widget below. That’s it! This screening is on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016 at 7 p.m. in downtown Chicago. The more social actions you complete, the more points you score and the higher yours odds of winning! Completing these social actions only increases your odds of winning; this doesn’t intensify your competition!

Preferably, use your computer to enter rather than your smartphone.

If...

Exclusive: Keith Clarke, who scripted the upcoming epic Ben-Hur for MGM and Paramount (with John Ridley), will next be directing A Mystery Guest in Paris based on the memoir by author Gregoire Bouillier. The contemporary dramedy, taken from the book The Mystery Guest, follows a man named Greg who falls in love with a woman whom he considers his soulmate. She suddenly ends the relationship, leaving behind Virginia Woolf’s novel Mrs. Dalloway as his only clue as to why she…...

Ahead of the film's release on August 19th, Paramount Pictures and MGM have posted a new and likely final full trailer for their Timur Bekmambetov-directed remake of "Ben-Hur". John Ridley and Keith Clarke penned the script for this new adaptation of the Lew Wallace novel.

Jack Huston stars as the prince falsely accused of treason by his adopted brother Messala (Toby Kebbell), an officer in the Roman army. Stripped of his title and forced into slavery, he returns to his homeland years later to seek revenge, and instead finds redemption. Morgan Freeman, Rodrigo Santoro, Ayelet Zorer, Nazanin Boniadi and Sofia Black-d'Elia also star.

'Ben-Hur' 2016 with Jack Huston: Chariot race to the death. 'Ben-Hur' 2016 trailer: 'Gladiator' meets 'Fast Seven' meets 'Star Wars' meets… Paramount Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer have released the trailer for their 2016 Ben-Hur remake (or reboot or readaptation) – a.k.a. Fast and Furious A.D., as one wag called it in an online comment. Instead of grandiose spectacle featuring at its core a “human” story with Christian overtones, this chariot-and-sandals epic is being sold as Gladiator meets Fast Seven meets Spartacus: Blood and Sand meets Star Wars – with Morgan Freeman's Sheik Ilderim as the Roman Empire's dreadlocked version of Alec Guinness' Ben Obi-Wan Kenobi. Say what you will, the trailer-makers sure know their target audience. And that's not the same crowd that would go check out what's usually referred to in the U.S. media as “faith” (i.e., Christian) movies. One assumes that particular audience segment will be getting...

A shipwreck, swordplay and a horse-flipping chariot race are front and center in the new trailer for MGM and Paramount’s remake of the Biblical-era epic “Ben-Hur.” Also, Morgan Freeman appears in some noteworthy dreadlocks. The movie also stars Jack Huston, Nazanin Boniadi and Rodrigo Santoro, with Timur Bekmambetov directing a script was co-written by Keith R. Clarke, screenwriter of “The Way Back,” and John Ridley, showrunner for ABC’s “American Crime” and Oscar winner for his screenplay for “12 Years a Slave.” Sean Daniel, Joni Levin and Duncan Henderson are the producers. Also Read: 'Ben-Hur' Remake Release Pushed...

Paramount has announced yet more plans to reshuffle its release slate today, with the studio opting to push Timur Bekmambetov’s grand remake of sword and sandals epic Ben-Hur to August 12, 2016, whereas Charlie Kaufman‘s Anomalisa has nailed down a due date of December 30, 2015.

Before Paramount made it official, Bekmambetov’s modern retelling – which stars Jack Huston, Morgan Freeman, Nazanin Boniadi and Rodrigo Santoro – had been slated to launch in theaters on February 26. No specific reason was disclosed by either Paramount or MGM, though considering the scale and scope of the film, it could be that it needed more time to incubate in post-production to touch up special effects, or that both parties are simply vouching for Ben-Hur‘s summer blockbuster status by shifting the due date to August.

Penned by Keith Clarke, Paramount’s Ben-Hur is based on Lew Wallace’s seminal 1880s novel of the same name. It...

Read More: Will MGM's Return to 'Ben-Hur' Stand Up to the Oscar Winner? Release date changes are always a cause for speculation, and while no specific reasons for this delay has been made, MGM and Paramount have confirmed that their "Ben-Hur" remake will be moved from February 26 to August 12, 2016. The change could be the result of a number of factors, from providing more time to work on special effects to realizing the potential blockbuster might play better in the summer movie season, though it could also indicate some trouble behind the scenes. The remake is directed by "Wanted" filmmaker Timur Bekmambetov and has a screenplay by Keith Clarke, with revisions by Oscar winner and executive producer John Ridley ("12 Years A Slave"). The cast includes rising star Jack Huston in the titular role opposite Toby Kebbell, Morgan Freeman, Nazanin Boniadi and Rodrigo Santoro. Mark Burnett, Sean Daniel and Joni Levin serve as producers,...

While Will Ferrell has a boatload of projects in development as either and actor or producer, he doesn’t seem to want to stop adding more. He’s now attached to Tom’s Dad, which Lasse Hallström will direct for producer Johnny Depp.The film will find Ferrell as the titular father figure, a struggling nightclub performer in 1960s Nevada who sees a chance to bond with his estranged 12-year-old son when his ex-wife leaves on a three-week trip. But he’s also got to juggle his performance responsibilities as he tries to make it big with his circus animal act. Martin Casella and Keith Clarke have worked on the script, which appears to offer the sort of blend of silly and heartwarming that Ferrell often does well with. If all goes well, Hallström aims to kick off production early next year. Ferrell, who last starred in the lacklustre comedy Get Hard,...

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Box office winner and Golden Globe nominee Will Ferrell (Get Hard, Anchorman 1 and 2) will star in the comedy Tom’S Dad to be directed by Oscar nominated director Lasse Hallström (The Cider House Rules, The Hundred-foot Journey).

Principal photography on the feature film is slated to begin early next year, with further casting underway.

Set in 1960s Nevada, Arthur (Ferrell) is a struggling nightclub performer hoping to make it big with his stage act involving circus animals. He is forced to reconnect with his estranged 12-year old son, Tom, when his ex-wife departs on a three week trip, leaving the pair to rekindle their father-son relationship.

It was announced today by producers Joni Levin and Keith Clarke (The Way Back, upcoming Ben Hur) of Point Blank Productions, Christi Dembrowski and Johnny Depp of Infinitum Nihil (Hugo, Rum Diary, Dark Shadows) and Arsenal’s John Ptak (Let Me In,...

Will Ferrell is set to star and Johnny Depp will produce the comedy "Tom's Dad" for Point Blank Productions and Infinitum Nihil.

Set in 1960s Nevada, Ferrell plays a struggling nightclub performer hoping to make it big with his stage act involving circus animals. He is forced to reconnect with his estranged twelve-year old son when his ex-wife departs on a three week trip, leaving the pair to rekindle their relationship.

Martin Casella penned the original screenplay with revisions by Clarke. Lasse Hallstrom is set to direct while Depp, John Ptak, Christi Dembrowski, Joni Levin and Keith Clarke will produce.

Filming is slated to begin early next year, with further casting underway.

Source: Deadline...

Lasse Hallström will direct the story of a struggling nightclub performer (Will Ferrell) forced to babysit his estranged 12-year-old son. Fortitude International is selling in Cannes.

Joni Levin and Keith Clarke of Point Blank Productions produce with Christi Dembrowski and Johnny Depp of Infinitum Nihil and Arsenal’s John Ptak.

Peter D Graves is executive producer and UTA Independent Film Group represents North American rights.

Principal photography is set to begin early next year. Martin Casella wrote the original screenplay with revisions by Clarke.

Exclusive: Will Ferrell has been set to star in comedy Tom’s Dad for Oscar-nominated director Lasse Hallström. The news was announced today by producers Joni Levin and Keith Clarke of Point Blank Productions (Ben Hur); Christi Dembrowski and Johnny Depp of Infinitum Nihil; and Arsenal's John Ptak (The Way Back). Principal photography is slated to begin early next year, with further casting underway. Fortitude International, the sales, finance and production outfit…...

Actor Rodrigo Santoro takes a break from filming Ben-hur, which is currently in production in Rome, to attend the Papal Audience and meet Pope Francis.

Pope Francis blessed actor Rodrigo Santoro, who plays Jesus Christ in the upcoming epic Ben-hur, at the Papal Audience at St Peter’s Square in Vatican City on Wednesday, April 15th.

Directed by Timur Bekmambetov, the movie is written by Keith Clarke and John Ridley.

Check out Nazanin Boniadi’s Instagram for more photos of their visit to the Vatican:

https://instagram.com/nazaninboniadi/

Actress Nazanin Boniadi and actor Rodrigo Santoro of Ben-hur in front of the Vatican for the Papal Audience visit.

Ben-hur is the epic story of Judah Ben-Hur (Jack Huston), a prince falsely accused of treason by his adopted brother Messala (Toby Kebbell), an officer in the Roman army. Stripped of his title, separated from his family and the woman he loves...

As reported on Screendaily last week, production is underway in Rome on Paramount Pictures and MGM’s retelling of the classic adventure starring Jack Huston in the title role.

Filming has ended in Matera in the south of Italy and will take up residence for four months on Cinecittà Stages and Cinecittà World’s Theme Park back lot, both of which will double for Jersualem. The film is set to open in the Us on February 26, 2016.

Timur Bekmambetov directs from the adapted screenplay by Keith Clarke and John Ridley based on based on Lew Wallace’s novel Ben-Hur: A Tale Of The Christ.

The story centres on Judah Ben-Hur, a wronged prince forced into slavery who returns home to seek revenge.

Morgan Freeman, Toby Kebbell and Nazanin Boniadi also star. Sean Daniel, Mark Burnett, Joni Levin and Duncan Henderson produce, while the executive producers are Roma Downey, Keith Clarke, John Ridley and Jason Brown.

Ben-Hur will benefit...

MGM Pictures and Paramount Pictures have announced that principal photography has begun on the Timur Bekmambetov-directed "Ben-Hur" which is shooting in both Rome and Matera, Italy.

The film returns to the heart of Lew Wallace’s epic novel and follows a falsely accused nobleman who survives years of slavery to take vengeance on his best friend who betrayed him. Both must come to choose between retribution or forgiveness.

The cast includes Jack Huston as Judah Ben-Hur, Morgan Freeman as Ilderim, Toby Kebbell as Messala, Nazanin Boniadi as Esther, Rodrigo Santoro as Jesus Christ, Sofia Black D’Elia as Tirzah, Ayelet Zurer as Naomi, Moises Arias as Gestas and Pilou Asbaek as Pontius Pilate. Keith Clarke and John Ridley adapted the script.

Sean Daniel, Mark Burnett, Joni Levin and Duncan Henderson will produce. "Ben-Hur" is slated to hit cinemas on February 26th 2016.

Source: Paramount Pictures...

The next big biblical movie coming our way is “Ben-Hur” from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures and Paramount Pictures. The film has announced that they have begun principal photography on the film in Rome and Matera, Italy. Jack Huston stars as Judah Ben-Hur and Morgan Freeman as Ilderim. The film also features Toby Kebbell as Messala, Nazanin Boniadi as Esther, Rodrigo Santoro as Jesus Christ, Sofia Black D’Elia as Tirzah, Ayelet Zurer as Naomi, Moises Arias as Gestas and Pilou Asbæk as Pontius Pilate. The film is directed by Timur Bekmambetov and is written by John Ridley and Keith Clarke. The film is based on the novel “Ben-Hur: A Tale of The Christ” [ Read More ]

The post Ben-Hur Starts Principal Photography in Italy appeared first on Shockya.com.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures and Paramount Pictures, a division of Viacom, Inc., announced today that principal photography has begun on “Ben-hur” starring Jack Huston (“American Hustle”) as Judah Ben-Hur, Morgan Freeman (“The Shawshank Redemption”) as Ilderim, Toby Kebbell (“Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes”) as Messala and Nazanin Boniadi (“Homeland”) as Esther. Directed by Timur Bekmambetov (“Wanted”) and written by Keith Clarke (“The Way Back”) and John Ridley (“12 Years A Slave”), the film is based on Lew Wallace’s epic novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of The Christ. The producers are Sean Daniel (“The Mummy” franchise), Mark Burnett (“Son Of God”), Joni Levin (“The Way Back”) and Duncan Henderson (“Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World”). Serving as executive producers are Roma Downey (“The Bible”), Keith Clarke, John Ridley and Jason Brown. Filming will take place in Rome and Matera, Italy with the film set for release February 26, 2016. “Ben-hur” also...

Ben-hur is returning to the big screen!

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures and Paramount Pictures announced today that principal photography has begun on Ben-hur starring Jack Huston (“American Hustle”) as Judah Ben-Hur, Morgan Freeman (“The Shawshank Redemption”) as Ilderim, Toby Kebbell (“Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes”) as Messala and Nazanin Boniadi (“Homeland”) as Esther.

Directed by Timur Bekmambetov (“Wanted”) and written by Keith Clarke (“The Way Back”) and John Ridley (“12 Years A Slave”), the film is based on Lew Wallace’s epic novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of The Christ.

The epic 1959 film was directed by William Wyler and starred Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Stephen Boyd, Haya Harareet, Sam Jaffe and Hugh Griffith. It won 11 Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor. The magnificent score is by composer Miklós Rózsa.

Watch the trailer Here.

The producers are Sean Daniel (“The Mummy” franchise), Mark Burnett (“Son Of God”), Joni Levin (“The Way Back...

If you were looking forward to seeing an updated version of the classic Ben-Hur story on the big screen, then you'll be happy to hear that principal photography has officially started on the epic, with a more full cast last revealed as well. Come inside to see.

I'm honestly not sure what to think about a Ben-Hur remake. Done correctly, it could be pretty cool and a great way to introduce a new generation to this story. It also has a good chance of sucking, but that's the risk you take with any remake. Either way, I tend to hold off judgement until I've seen footage, which we've just taken a big step towards seeing as filming has officially started:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures and Paramount Pictures, a division of Viacom, Inc., announced today that principal photography has begun on “Ben-hur” starring Jack Huston (“American Hustle”) as Judah Ben-Hur, Morgan Freeman (“The Shawshank Redemption”) as Ilderim,...

Another key character has been cast in MGM’s upcoming Ben-Hur remake. Danish actor Pilou Asbæk, who had a small role in Lucy and previously stunned in the barely-seen Danish film A Hijacking (one of my top films of 2013), has joined the production in the role of Judean emperor Pontius Pilate.

Asbæk beat out Game of Thrones actor Pedro Pascal for the part in the Timur Bekmambetov-directed remake, about the titular Jewish prince (Jack Huston) who is forced into slavery by his villainous former friend Messala (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes‘ Toby Kebbell). Bowed but not broken, Judah Ben-Hur vows to return for revenge.

Nazanin Boniadi, Sofia Black-d’Elia and Morgan Freeman are also in the cast, playing Ben-Hur’s mother Miriam, sister Tirzah and the Sheik Ilderim, respectively. In smaller roles, Rodrigo Santoro will play Jesus, Ayelet Zurer will portray Naomi and Moises Arias will play Gestas,...

“Game of Thrones” actor Pedro Pascal was previously in talks for the role

MGM’s “Ben-Hur” has added “Lucy” star Pilou Asbæk to play Pontius Pilate, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.

“Game of Thrones” star Pedro Pascal was previously in talks for the role in the Timur Bekmambetov film about the titular Jewish Prince, played by Jack Huston, who is forced into slavery by his former friend, Messala (Toby Kebbell).

The studio and Asbæk’s reps could not immediately be reached for comment.

Also Read: TheWrap’s 25 Most Anticipated Movies of 2015: From ‘Fifty Shades’ to...

Rodrigo Santoro is in talks to join the cast of Timur Bekmambetov‘s “Ben-Hur” remake for MGM and Paramount, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.

Santoro would play Jesus Christ, who figures in several key scenes in the film about the titular Jewish Prince, played by Jack Huston, who is forced into slavery by his former friend, Messala (Toby Kebbell).

Also Read: TheWrap’s 25 Most Anticipated Movies of 2015: From ‘Fifty Shades’ to ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Spectre’

Ayelet Zurer plays Ben-Hur’s mother, while Sofia Black-d’Elia plays his sister. Morgan Freeman and Pedro Pascal will co-star in the epic period picture,...

Exclusive: Skins and Gossip Girl actress Sofia Black-D’Elia has been cast opposite Jack Huston, Morgan Freeman, and Toby Kebbell in Ben-Hur, which Timur Bekmambetov is directing for MGM and Paramount Pictures.

The historical epic chronicles the blood feud between Judah Ben-Hur (Huston) and Messala that erupts when Messala (Kebbell) condemns his childhood friend to slavery and certain death aboard a Roman warship.

Black-D’Elia will take the role of Tirzah, Judah’s sister who becomes quietly political when the Roman Empire takes control of Jerusalem. She is imprisoned alongside her mother and both contract leprosy before Judah returns home to free his family and avenge them all.

Produced by The Bible’s Mark Burnett, Keith Clarke, Jason Brown and Sean Daniel for The Sean Daniel Company, and Joni Levin for Point Blank Productions, the remake will hew more closely to the 1880 Lew Wallace novel Ben-Hur: A Tale Of The Christ...

• The Vampire Diaries’ Paul Wesley will star in Convergence, a vehicle for him to star in and produce. Little is known about the plot at this time, but the film is said to follow a group of underground biotech engineers who experiment with a new technology that exceeds their expectations. Jeff Richard wrote the script. Filming is planned for next spring in Shanghai and Atlanta. [Deadline] • Sam Huntington, of Being Human fame, has been cast as the lead in Finding Sofia. Nico Casavecchia is directing the indie comedy, which follows Huntington as a young filmmaker who buys a ticket to Buenos...

• Robert De Niro is in talks for Joy. If the deal closes, De Niro would re-team him with actress Jennifer Lawrence and director David O. Russell, whom he worked with on Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle. The film tells the story of inventor of the Miracle Mop, Joy Mangano, whom Lawrence would play. De Niro is considering the role of Mangano's father, but his decision reportedly depends on whether Lawrence's deal closes. Russell is rewriting the script, which tracks Mangano's path from single mother in Long Island to QVC star, originally by Bridesmaids scribe Annie Mumolo. The film is...

Movies give Pontius Pilate a bad wrap. Yes, he gave the orders to crucify Jesus Christ. But check canonical Biblical writing and one finds a tinge of reluctance, a man of power caving under the peoples' demands. Plus, would we still be talking about God's Son if Pilate didn't off him in the grisliest way possible? Silver linings. Pending deals, the next on-screen Pilate could add all this nuance with a splash of smarmy charm. Deadline reports that "Game of Thrones" favorite Pedro Pascal is in talks to play Judaea's prefect in the upcoming remake of "Ben-Hur." The film is said to skew closer to Lew Wallace's 1880 novel than the 1959 Charlton Heston-led epic, which chronicled the parallel stories of Jewish prince-turned-slave Judah Ben-Hur's quest for revenge and Christ's Passion. The in the original film, Pilate presides over the major chariot race setpiece and orders Jesus' death. He...

This morning, we heard news that MGM’s remake of the 1959 swords-n-sandals epic, Ben-Hur, had nearly bagged itself a leading lady. Wonder Woman Gal Gadot might be signing on the dotted line to join a cast that so far, consists entirely of chaps. And now we can add another bloke to the ever-expanding call sheet, as Game Of Thrones star Pedro Pascal is also in negotiations for a juicy role.

Earlier this year, Pascal fought valiantly as Oberyn Martell in season four of HBO’s medieval fantasy series. His showiest moment alas came during his last scene, as he fought the hulking monstrosity known as The Mountain. He was an immensely likeable character and it’s a shame we won’t see him return to Westeros. However, if he signs on for Ben-Hur, he’ll still be kitted out in the finest period garb as he’s slated to play Pontius Pilate.

• Gal Gadot is in talks for the female lead in Ben-Hur. Timbur Bekmambetov is directing. The work is a remake of the 1959 film of the same name, as well as an adaptation of the Lew Wallace novel, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. The film follows Ben-Hur (Jack Huston), the Jewish prince who is betrayed into slavery by Messala (Toby Kebbell). Morgan Freeman will play the man who teaches Ben-Hur the art of chariot-racing. If Gadot signs on, she will play Esther, a slave and the love interest of Ben-Hur. Keith Clarke penned the script with a rewrite by John Ridley.

Exclusive: Pedro Pascal, who made an indelible impression on the last season of HBO’s Game Of Thrones, is in talks to play Pontius Pilate in the Timur Bekmambetov-directed Ben-Hur remake at MGM and Paramount. In Game Of Thrones, Pascal played Oberyn Martell (also called the Red Viper of Dorne), who volunteered to fight a death battle in the arena to win the freedom of accused king killer Tyrion Lannister. The Viper engaged in battle with The Mountain, a brutish warrior who years before had raped and murdered Oberyn’s sister. Oberyn had the brute dead to rights, but got a little careless and too close, and ended up on the wrong end of The Mountain’s crushing grip. But Pascal stayed around long enough to make a strong impression.

If talks with Pascal work out, he will join Jack Huston, as well as Toby Kebbell, Morgan Freeman and Gal Gadot in the film.

Gal Gadot ("Fast Five," "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice") and Pedro Pascal ("Game of Thrones") are in talks to play the female lead and Pontius Pilate respectively in the reboot of "Ben-Hur" at MGM Pictures.

Jack Huston plays the title character who is betrayed by his former best friend (Toby Kebbell) and sold into slavery. Morgan Freeman also stars.

Gadot will play a slave named Esther whom Ben-Hur falls for. Pascal's Pontius Pilate plays an important part in the story which includes a parallel storyline involving Jesus Christ.

Timur Bekmambetov directs from a screenplay by Keith R. Clarke and John Ridley. The film is aiming to be a more faithful adaptation the original Lew Wallace novel than the 1959 film adaptation starring Charlton Heston.

Shooting begins in Europe early next year ahead of a February 2016 release.

Source: Variety & Deadline...

Gal Gadot is not going to put her new Wonder Woman physique to waste. After she finishes up shooting Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice, THR reports that the actress may hop aboard MGM’s Ben-Hur remake. At this stage the actress is in early talks with the studio, who are keen to unleash their biblical sandal reboot on a new generation of filmgoers in the next eighteen months.

So far, the casting slate is filling up nicely, with a mixed roster of Hollywood lookers as well as a seasoned veteran thrown in to equal out the eye candy. Leading the charge against the perils of slavery will be Jack Huston as Judah Ben-Hur, a noble Jewish prince who’s conned into slavery by his supposed best friend, Messala. That villainous part has been nabbed by Toby Kebbell, who’s primed to be somewhat of a go-to badboy after his...

Gal Gadot may showcase her new Amazonian figure in another film besides as Wonder Woman.

The Hollywood Reporter claims the actress is in early talks for the female lead role in the remake of “Ben-Hur.”

The cast already includes Jack Huston as the Jewish prince along with Toby Kebbell and Morgan Freeman.

If she signs on, Gadot will play Esther, a slave who falls in love with Ben-Hur.

Timur Bekmambetov is directing the movie, which is the remake of the 1959 movie with Charlton Heston. Keith Clarke wrote the original script and rewrite credits goes to John Ridley.

It is expected the production to begin shooting early next year for a February 2016 release date.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter...

When remaking a movie, sometimes all the difference in the world comes down to one thing: The source material. People often overlook that, and I find that certain films are incorrectly referred to as remakes when, in fact, they're a new interpretation of the source material. For example: When Psycho was remade in the 1990s, it was a straight-up remake of the original Hitchcock film. The filmmakers decided to do a very literal reconstruction of Hitchcock's film, and literally remade it. Then there's something like the Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory vs Charlie and The Chocolate Factory comparison. While many were quick to say that the Johnny Depp film was a remake of the Gene Wilder original, that's actually a misnomer. The latter film was actually a new spin on the original novel, with which it shared its name. Heck, just look at Judge Dredd vs Dredd.

Vastly different...

One of the more surprising remake announcements in recent years has been that of "Ben-Hur," a new take by MGM and Paramount on the Lew Wallace novel.

The Timur Bekmambetov-directed new version will follow the book much closer than the Charlton Heston-led previous (and iconic) film adaptation in 1959. John Ridley ("12 Years a Slave") is penning the script and recently spoke with Coming Soon about the project and how it will differ from the William Wyler classic:

"It's going to be different in the sense that the original writer Keith Clarke wrote an amazing script and then went back to the Lew Wallace novel and really excavated the relationship between the two main characters, Ben-Hur and Messala.

It's interesting to a degree. It's kind of like going after Jimi Hendrix, because there are things about the 1959 movie that we think we remember, there are things that really happened, including obviously the chariot race,...

British actor Toby Kebbell is on a roll as he’s now in talks to play the villainous Messala in MGM and Paramount’s upcoming remake of the award winning 1959 classic which won Charlton Heston an Oscar.

Kebbell delivered a fantastic performance in an episode of Channel 4’s critically acclaimed Black Mirror and found fame in Hollywood after landing roles in Wrath of the Titans and The Counselor. However, he proved that British actors are always the best choice to play villains as motion-capture creation Koba in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. He’ll also suit up next year as the evil Doctor Doom in Josh Trank’s The Fantastic Four.

In Ben-Hur, Kebbell will play Messala, the man that the title character (who will be played by Jack Huston) hopes to take vengeance on after surviving years of slavery because his best friend betrayed him.

Stephen Boyd...

• Boardwalk Empire actor Jack Huston will take the chariot reins as the title role in the upcoming remake of Ben-Hur. Previously, Tom Hiddleston had been in talks for the role of slave Judah Ben-Hur in the Paramount and MGM picture. Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted) is directing the film adapted by John Ridley (12 Years a Slave) and Keith Clarke (The Way Back) that is said to be based more on Lew Wallace’s 1880 novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ than the 1959 film that starred Charlton Heston. Morgan Freeman has already been cast as Ildarin, the teacher who helps make the slave Ben-Hur into chariot racer champion.

Jack Huston cast in 'Ben-Hur' remake? 'Boardwalk Empire' actor to follow in the footsteps of Ramon Novarro and Charlton Heston Jack Huston, best known for playing World War I veteran-turned-bootlegger-cum-assassin Richard Harrow in the HBO series Boardwalk Empire, may star in the latest Ben-Hur "remake," to be jointly produced by Paramount and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. I have "remake" between quotes because officially this fourth big-screen version of the semi-biblical epic (more on that below) isn't an actual remake of either the multiple Oscar-winning 1959 Ben-Hur or its 1925 predecessor, but a direct adaptation of former Civil War general Lew Wallace's 1880 bestselling novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, which happens to be conveniently in the public domain. Timur Bekmambetov, whose credits include the Angelina Jolie-James McAvoy thriller Wanted and the supernatural cult classic Night Watch, has been attached as director of what is in fact A Tale...

MGM and Paramount Pictures have announced that Jack Huston (American Hustle, "Boardwalk Empire") will play the title role in the upcoming "Ben-Hur" remake, which already has Morgan Freeman on board as Ildarin, who teaches Ben-Hur how to race chariots. The new movie will once again be based on the 1880 Lew Wallace novel that outsold every book (outside of the Bible) until it was eventually beaten by "Gone With the Wind." It's adapted for the big screen by Keith Clarke (The Way Back) and John Ridley (12 Years a Slave). "Ben-Hur" will be directed by Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted) and is expected to begin filming in Europe next year. It's set to hit theaters on February 26th, 2016.

Jack Huston is your new "Ben-Hur." The "Boardwalk Empire" star has been set to play the title role in MGM and Paramount's upcoming remake, according to Deadline. Timur Bekmambetov ("Wanted") is set to direct the epic film, in which Morgan Freeman was previously cast as Ildarin, the man who trains Ben-Hur to become a champion chariot racer. As we reported last month, Tom Hiddleston had previously been eyed for the lead role. Best known for his role as masked hitman Richard Harrow on the HBO crime drama, Huston has also appeared in a number of recent films including "American Hustle," "Kill Your Darlings" and David Chase's "Not Fade Away." Upcoming big-screen credits for the actor include "Posthumous" opposite Brit Marling, Nicholas Sparks adaptation "The Longest Ride" and "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies," an adaptation of the bestselling mashup novel by Seth Grahame-Smith. Based on the hugely popular 1880 novel by Lew Wallace,...

Jack Huston has been tapped to fill Charlton Heston's sandals.  The Boardwalk Empire actor is in talks to star in Paramount and MGM's Ben-Hur remake, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. The deal has not yet been finalized and could still fall apart. Filming is set to begin in Europe next year with director Timur Bekmambetov at the helm. Morgan Freeman had been previously announced to co-star in the film as Ildarin, who teaches Ben-Hur how to race chariots.  John Ridley did a rewrite on Keith Clarke's script. Ridley, Clarke, Jason F. Brown and Roma Downey are executive producers.

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Exclusive: MGM and Paramount have found Ben-Hur. The studios are setting Jack Huston, and you just knew he was going to get a big, star-making film role after his portrayal of the masked, war-scarred assassin Richard Harrow on HBO’s Boardwalk Empire. It would be hard to imagine a bigger-scale picture than Ben-Hur, with Timur Bekmambetov directing the epic remake in Europe next year. Huston joins Morgan Freeman, whom Deadline broke will play the role of Ildarin, the man who teaches the slave Ben-Hur to become a champion-caliber chariot racer.

MGM and Paramount still have to find their Messala, Ben-Hur’s former close friend-turned-bitter rival. Actors have been circling both parts, and it looked for a while there like Huston might have played the latter. He read for that role, but Bekmambetov decided instead he had the sympathetic manner and grit to play the title role, the one that brought...

Hot on the heels of his agreement to star in Seth MacFarlane’s comedy sequel Ted 2, Morgan Freeman has put pen to paper to be involved in an upcoming film that is, let’s just say, a slight departure from a pot-smoking teddy bear with an attitude. That production in question, dear readers, is Timur Bekmambetov’s ambitious remake of William Wyler’s 1959 epic, Ben-Hur.

According to a report by Deadline, the Oscar-winning actor will join the project as Ildarin, a wise old man that trains our titular protagonist in the fine arts of chariot racing. Based on Lew Wallace’s revered 1880 novel, Bekmambetov’s modern retelling is said to explore the early life of one Judah Ben-Hur and Messala, two best friends who find their relationship put to the test once the Roman Empire takes over.

At this stage, there are no other casting announcements to be made; although,...

Hot on the heels of joining the cast of Ted 2, Morgan Freeman has been announced as the first cast member of Timue Bekmambetov's (Night Watch, Wanted) Ben-Hur remake. Freeman will play Ildarin, the men who trains Ben-Hur. The title role has yet to be cast, but Tom Hiddleston was being eyed for the role last month, but no official decision has been announced yet. Written by Keith Clarke (The Way Back), with revisions from 12 Years a Slaves' John Ridley, Bekmambetov's no doubt incredibly stylish Ben-Hur is set for release on February 26th 2016.

Ben-Hur

Morgan Freeman has scored the first role in Timur Bekmambetov's upcoming new take on Lew Wallace's novel "Ben-Hur" for MGM and Paramount. Shooting begins in Europe early next year.

Freeman will play Ildarin, the man who teaches the slave Ben-Hur to become a champion-caliber chariot racer. Keith Clarke wrote the script and John Ridley did the rewrite. [Source: Deadline]

I Saw the Light

Elizabeth Olsen will team with Tom Hiddleston in the Marc Abraham-directed Hank Williams biopic "I Saw the Light" for RatPac Entertainment, Bron Studios and Creative Wealth Media Finance. Olsen will play Williams' wife Audrey Mae in the film which begins shooting next month in Louisiana.

Williams was born in 1923 in Alabama and broke out in the post-World War II era with numerous hit songs. He also suffered from spina bifida and died at age 29 after struggling with alcoholism and addiction to prescription drugs. [Source: Variety]

Demolition

Chris Cooper...

Exclusive: Gearing up to start production in Europe early next year, MGM, Paramount and Timur Bekmambetov have made their first formal casting in Ben-Hur. They’ve set Morgan Freeman to play the role of Ildarin, the man who teaches the slave Ben-Hur to become a champion-caliber chariot racer.

The studios are getting close to finding their Judah Ben-Hur and his friend-turned-bitter-rival Messala. I’ve reported that Tom Hiddleston was one of those being courted, and at this point it’s not clear if he will take part. They’ve set a February 26, 2016, release date on the epic remake, that is based more closely on the 1880 Lew Wallace novel Ben-Hur: A Tale Of The Christ – the biggest-selling novel of its time until it was eclipsed by Gone With The Wind — than the 1959 William Wyler-directed film that starred Charlton Heston. Keith Clarke wrote the script and John Ridley did the rewrite.

Word is MGM, Paramount and director Timur Bekmambetov are courting Tom Hiddleston to star in Bekmambetov's questionable Ben-Hur remake with Hiddleston to play the title role of Judah Ben-Hur. Of course, I'm sure the word "remake" is something the production will avoid considering they wouldn't likely want to be compared to William Wyler's 1959, Charlton Heston-led classic. Then again, with all the CGI that's likely to be used I doubt there will be much of a comparison to be made. Like the 1959 version and the 1925 silent film, this one will be an adaptation of the 1880 Lew Wallace novel "Ben-Hur: A Tale Of The Christ" and the screenplay was written by Keith R. Clarke (The Way Back). Clarke's version is said to hue more closely to the book than previous versions, playing up a parallel storyline involving Jesus Christ along with the blood feud between Ben-Hur and Messala. As much...

Once a novel has already been adapted into a classic film, there’s understandably a lot of pushback against any attempts at another adaptation after that. Such is the case with Ben-Hur, the 1959 adaptation of Lew Wallace’s “Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ”, which starred Charlton Heston as the eponymous Judah Ben-Hur, a wealthy Jewish merchant who is condemned to slavery by his childhood friend, Messala, a commander of the Roman garrison.

Ben-Hur held the record for most Academy Awards for decades, which means that the upcoming revamp from Night Watch director Timur Bekmambetov has quite a legacy to live up to. The spec script by Keith Clarke has recently been given a re-write by Oscar-winning 12 Years a ...

Click to continue reading Tom Hiddleston Eyed for Lead Role in ‘Ben-Hur’...

About two years ago, it was reported that MGM and Paramount Pictures were working on a remake of "Ben-Hur," which is based on the 1880 Lew Wallace novel that outsold every book (outside of the Bible) until it was eventually beaten by "Gone With the Wind." It was then reported that "Wanted" helmer Timur Bekmambetov signed on direct from a script by Keith Clarke (The Way Back) and John Ridley (12 Years a Slave). The film also got a release date of February 26th, 2016. Now comes word that the studios are in talks with Tom Hiddleston, who played Loki in "The Avengers," to take the lead role. The plan is to take more elements from the book than the original film did by focusing more on the storyline involving Jesus Christ.