Jack Huston, a member of the cinematic royal family and a star in his own right thanks to Boardwalk Empire and American Hustle, has landed a role that could take him to another level. He will play the title role in MGM’s Ben-Hur remake.
The casting was first reported by Deadline, which noted that Huston first read for the role of Messala, Ben-Hur’s friend-turned-rival. However, director Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted) liked him for the role of the Jewish prince, Judah Ben-Hur.
Charlton Heston played the role in William Wyler’s 1959 film, which won 11 Oscars, including Best Actor (Heston) and Best Picture. The story is based on Gen. Lew Wallace’s iconic novel, which was also adapted into a silent film in 1925.
It looks like Bekmambetov and the studio want to stick close to the original novel, which was titled Ben-Hur: A Tale of Christ. They have enlisted Mark Burnett and Roma Downey of The Bible fame as co-producers, so expect the religious tone to stick.
The only other actor attached is Morgan Freeman, who will play Ben-Hur’s chariot race teacher. Still, the studio hopes to start production in Europe next year.
The project was first reported on back in January 2013.