Confirming that no film is above a revamp even if its already won 11 Oscars – the new version of Ben Hur has premiered in Los Angeles. “Boardwalk Empire” actor Jack Huston takes the lead role originally played by the late Charlton Heston.
Another 'Ben Hur' movie after 11 oscars
“If you think of the climate of the world today and this movie is set 2000 years ago, you realise the world hasn’t changed that much and while it’s a beautiful action movie with all of the thrills and excitement, it’s still a very serious movie for our time and I feel very lucky,” said Huston in an interview at the premiere.
Also staring in the film are Morgan Freeman as Sheik Ilderim and Toby Kebbell plays Messala.
Ben Hur is based on the 1880 novel by Lew Wallace.
It is the story of a young Jewish nobleman who is sent into slavery by Roman occupiers but returns to take his revenge.
The film which is set at the beginning of the first century A.D. has religious undertones with Judah crossing paths with Jesus (played by Rodrigo Santoro) throughout the narrative.
Russian-Kazakh film maker Timur Bekmambetov, who was behind the Russian box office hits ‘Daywatch’ and ‘Nightwatch’, is at the helm of the latest adaptation.
The new version like the old one is full of action and special effects and for those old enough to remember the 1959 film with its dramatic chariot scenes… you wont be disappointed.
The film is on worldwide release later this month and early September.