Jack Huston Is ‘Ben-Hur’
The newBen-Hurhas its new Ben-Hur.Jack Hustonhas just been set for the lead in the Bible-times epic, whichTimur Bekmambetovis directing.Morgan Freemanpreviouslyjoined the castas Ildarin, who turns the slave Ben-Hur into a champion chariot racer.
Hit the jump for more on theBen-HurJack Huston casting.
Deadlinereported the news. Huston steps into a role that won Charlton Heston the Oscar in 1960. The upcomingBen-Hurisn’t exactly a remake, but reportedly a more faithful re-adaptation ofLew Wallace’s 1880 novel. The new script was written byKeith Clarke, with rewrites byJohn Ridley.
In contrast to the earlier version, Bekmambetov’s take will play up the early friendship between Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince, and Messala, son of a Roman tax collector, before Messala’s betrayal. A parallel storyline involving Jesus Christ will also get greater emphasis.
Messala’s treachery leads Ben-Hur to be sold off as a slave, and his mother and sister to be thrown into prison for life. Ben-Hur’s quest for revenge sets off a string of events that culminates in that famous chariot race.
MGM and Paramount were previously said to beeyeingTom Hiddlestonfor the Ben-Hur part, but he’s very busy these days and apparently didn’t have room on his dance card. Huston was also considered for Messala before winning the Ben-Hur role.
Huston is an up-and-comer who’s been on the verge of breaking out big ever since hisBoardwalk Empiredays. Hetested for the Guardians of the Galaxy leadway back in the day and has beenrumored for Doctor Strange, though Joaquin Phoenix seems likely to win that one.
He was seen in a number of films last year includingAmerican HustleandKill Your Darlings. His upcoming credits includePride and Prejudice and Zombiesand the Nicholas Sparks adaptationThe Longest Ride.Ben-HuropensFebruary 26, 2016.
