It looks like Biblical or faith-related films are here to stay, and the latest to join the list that may spell box-office success is a Ben-Hur remake. The next big question, now that we know it's in the works, is who will play the lead role once tackled by Charlton Heston?
Well, it looks like "Boardwalk Empire" actor Jack Huston bagged the lead role in the remake of a remake. The recent movie adaptation based on Lew Wallace's novel, "Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ" is the remake of the 1959 movie topbilled by Oscar-winning actor Charlton Heston. There was also a silent film released in 1925.
The 32-year-old British actor Jack Huston has appeared in "American Hustle" and "Kill Your Darlings." He will share the limelight with veteran actor Morgan Freeman, who plays Ildarin, the sheik who lets Ben-Hur race his chariot .
From all indications, it certainly looks like Jack Huston has laid a solid groundwork and 2016 is his turn to shine.
Iran-born actress Nazanin Boniadi, who is best known for her recurring (and then regular) role in the tv series "Homeland," in a season of "Scandal" plus appearances in top-rating shows that include "24," plays Esther, the Roman slave girl.
The actors and actresses who are part of Ben-Hur have had memorable moments while filming the 2016 remake. Rodrigo Santoro (who plays Jesus Christ in the Ben-Hur remake), for instance, received a blessing from Pope Francis in Italy, during a production break. Co-star Nazanin Boniadi likewise had the opportunity to meet Pope Francis, and even took snapshots while waiting to meet the Pope.
A year ago, news broke out that Paramount will be co-producing the movie with MGM. Hollywood has been giving the nod of approval for Biblical films like "Noah." There's been a trend of global successes of Biblical films lately. Will the Ben-Hur remake follow the same trajectory?
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