Jack Huston to Star in 'Ben-Hur' Remake

Saying goodbye: "My character, Richard Harrow, is a goner. It's sad, but a good time to go. I always say: Tragic characters almost always end in tragedy."

"Boardwalk Empire" actor joins Morgan Freeman in the cast

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.

Released in 1959, director William Wyler's Ben-Hur starred Heston in the title role. It won 11 Oscars, including best picture.

Huston, who also appeared in 2013's American Hustle, is represented by UTA, The Artists Partnership and Untitled Entertainment.

The new film is set to be released Feb. 26, 2016.

Email: Ryan.Gajewski@pgmedia.org

Twitter: @_RyanGajewski