3:27 am - 01/21/2013
After nearly folding due to bankruptcy just a few years ago, MGM Studios is back and better than ever, after the success of Skyfall and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. The studio is gearing up to take on what may be their most ambitious project yet, a remake of the 1959 classic Ben-Hur.
The studio has acquired a spec screenplay by Keith R. Clarke (The Way Back), which is much more faithful to the 1880 novel by Lew Wallace. While director William Wyler's Ben-Hur focused on the feud between Judah Ben-Hur (Charlton Heston) and Messalla (Stephen Boyd), this film will explore the characters' formative years, growing up as best friends before the Roman Empire conquered Jerusalem.
This script also features Jesus Christ, who encounters Ben-Hur and whose tale is told in parallel to the title character. Ben-Hur begins to believe that Christ is the Messiah, before the savior is killed by Pontius Pilate.
Sean Daniel and Joni Levin are attached to produce. No production schedule has been released.
Ben-Hur was released November 18th, 1959 and stars Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Haya Harareet, Stephen Boyd, Hugh Griffith, Martha Scott, Cathy O'Donnell, Sam Jaffe. The film is directed by William Wyler.
so ONTD, who do you think should reprise the iconic role of Judah Ben-Hur?
source
MGM planning Ben-Hur remake
After nearly folding due to bankruptcy just a few years ago, MGM Studios is back and better than ever, after the success of Skyfall and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. The studio is gearing up to take on what may be their most ambitious project yet, a remake of the 1959 classic Ben-Hur.
The studio has acquired a spec screenplay by Keith R. Clarke (The Way Back), which is much more faithful to the 1880 novel by Lew Wallace. While director William Wyler's Ben-Hur focused on the feud between Judah Ben-Hur (Charlton Heston) and Messalla (Stephen Boyd), this film will explore the characters' formative years, growing up as best friends before the Roman Empire conquered Jerusalem.
This script also features Jesus Christ, who encounters Ben-Hur and whose tale is told in parallel to the title character. Ben-Hur begins to believe that Christ is the Messiah, before the savior is killed by Pontius Pilate.
Sean Daniel and Joni Levin are attached to produce. No production schedule has been released.
Ben-Hur was released November 18th, 1959 and stars Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Haya Harareet, Stephen Boyd, Hugh Griffith, Martha Scott, Cathy O'Donnell, Sam Jaffe. The film is directed by William Wyler.
so ONTD, who do you think should reprise the iconic role of Judah Ben-Hur?
source
Also nhf the chariot racing scene, I don't know how they're going to be able to replicate it in a more humane way. (Though lbr ANY way is more humane than the way it was done - disgusting)
What's next, a remade Gone with the Wind with Megan Fox and Channing Tatum.
Seriously though enough is enough. How about you give new screenwriters (::cough:: like me) with new material a chance, rather than recycle a bunch of old films which have been done to death.
* i just read it would be a remake of a remake of a remake of a remake. just leave it be now hollywood.
Edited at 2013-01-21 03:54 pm (UTC)