I don’t think much needs to be said about the upcoming remake of Ben-Hur. It’s a remake of one of the best films ever made. The 1959 version starring Charlton Heston that is, which was itself a remake of a 1925 silent film, which was a remake of a stage play, which itself was based on a book Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. So I guess it’s only fair it gets remade for today’s generation. Regardless, while the 1925 film was popular for its time, that 1959 version was the one that secured the title’s classic status and won a record 11 Oscars for its efforts too.

If you haven’t seen that earlier classic, then I’m not sure you can visit this site anymore… Just kidding, we need as many readers as possible (where else will Nick find his friends) – let’s just pretend you all watched and liked it and move on from there, okay?

To be honest, I don’t expect this remake to be anything like its earlier counter-parts, but then we shouldn’t expect it to be. So far, from the footage we have seen, it certainly seems like they are going to be taking a considerably different approach to this film and while it might not have the dramatic depth of the 1959 classic, it looks like it will be a fun film.

And in this age of high action and crisp visuals they are at least going all out to ensure it provides the popcorn culture with everything it needs and its focus on IMAX and 3D should already tell you the direction they took with the film. The characters, set and visuals are all looking good though. This version of the film is directed by Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter), with a screenplay written by John Ridley and Keith Clarke. Jack Huston will be playing the titular character Ben-Hur and will be joined by Toby Kebbell, Morgan Freeman, Rodrigo Santoro, Nazanin Boniadi, Ayelet Zorer and Sofia Black-D’Elia.

And if you want more of the film to gloss over – we have some new character posters released which give you some insight to what to expect from each of the characters, especially if you are unfamiliar with the story.

The synopsis of the film is below:

Ben-Hur tells 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 (Nazanin Boniadi), Judah is forced into slavery. After years at sea, Judah returns to his homeland to seek revenge, but finds redemption.

The film is being release on August 19th. The chariot fights await.

Last Updated: