Morgan Freeman and John Huston Join BEN-HUR Remake

As previously reported, "The Bible" producers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey are working on a "Ben-Hur" remake for MGM and Paramount which will be directed by Timur Bekmambetov ("Wanted"). The new version is said to be more faithful to Lew Wallace's novel than the 1959 classic, and more focused on the Biblical aspects of the story. Now, we have the first casting reports for this project. Morgan Freeman ("The Dark Knight") has signed on to star as Ildarin, the man who teaches the slave Ben-Hur to become a champion-caliber chariot racer. Also, John Huston ("Boardwalk Empire") is set to star as the titular Judah Ben-Hur. Production will begin in Europe early next year and the film is scheduled for release on February 26, 2016.

---

     RELATED POSTS :

• Eva Green To Star in Tim Burton's MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN
• Jamie Foxx to Play Mike Tyson in Biopic Written by BOARDWALK EMPIRE Creator
• Naomi Watts to Star Opposite Jake Gyllenhaal in DEMOLITION
• Dakota Fanning and Jennifer Connelly Join AMERICAN PASTORAL
• Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon Team Up for BIG LITTLE LIES
• Gal Gadot Joins Kevin Costner and Ryan Reynolds in CRIMINAL
• Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett and Naomie Harris Join JUNGLE BOOK: ORIGINS