Paramount Pictures and MGM have unveiled a newBen-Hurtrailer forWanteddirectorTimur Bekmambetov’s adaptation of theLew WallacenovelBen-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. The book was famously adapted in 1959 by directorWilliam WylerwithCharlton Hestonin the starring role, but this “new adaptation” brings back in more of the Biblical aspects of Wallace’s novel, telling the story of the titular prince parallel to the story of Jesus Christ.
Boardwalk EmpireactorJack Hustonfills the title role of Judah Ben-Hur, a prince who is falsely accused of treason by his adopted brother Messala (Toby Kebbell) and is subsequently stripped of his title and ostracized. He slowly makes his way back to his homeland to seek revenge, resulting in an explosive clash between Judah and Messala. At the same time,Rodrigo Santorofills the role of Jesus Christ, and while we haven’t seen much of how the Biblical story will be threaded intoBen-Hur, the film boastsThe BibleproducerMark Burnettas one of its producers, and could very well mark a major crossover between the faith-based market and major Hollywood blockbusters.
This new trailer is heavy on Biblical times action, with shades of300scattered throughout. Bekmambetov has a knack for visualizing set pieces in interesting ways, but his storytelling in films likeAbraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunterleave something to be desired.
Check out the newBen-Hurtrailer below. The film also starsMorgan Freemanand opens in theaters on August 19th.
Here’s the official synopsis forBen-Hur:
BEN-HUR is 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. Based on Lew Wallace’s timeless novel, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. Also starring Morgan Freeman and Rodrigo Santoro.
