MGM is planning a new adaptation of Lew Wallace’s 1880 novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. Today, The Wrap brings word that Wanted director Timur Bekmambetov is in talks to helm.
Wallace’s text has been previously adapted for the stage, screen and radio with William Wyler’s 1959 feature film version the most well-known today. The new adaptation is based on a spec script by Keith Clarke (The Way Back) and will follow Wallace’s original novel and the life of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince sold into slavery who then vows revenge against the man responsible. Set in the early years of the first century, Ben-Hur’s struggles parallel those of Jesus Christ.
Bekmambetov most recently directed 2012’s Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter for 20th Century Fox.
Sean Daniel and Joni Levin are producing with Clarke and Jason Brown executive producing.
