'Ben-Hur' Remake: Will MGM Take On The Classic Film?

Classic Film Getting Remake?

MGM is reportedly set to remake a classic. According to Deadline.com, the studio has plans to develop its 1959 classic, "Ben-Hur." Starring the late Charlton Heston, the epic "Ben-Hur" is credited with changing the aspirations of the film industry and inspiring current filmmakers, such as George Lucas.

While MGM released both the 1959 drama, as well as the 1925's "Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ," the studio sold the rights to "Ben-Hur" to Ted Turner in the '80s. As Lew Wallace's 1880 novel "Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ" is public domain, the latest "Ben-Hur" that MGM is eyeing is a script that was written by Keith Clarke ("The Way Back"). Deadline reports Sean Daniel and Joni Levin have been tapped to produce the project, while Clarke will serve as executive producer with Jason Brown.

The Clarke script is "faithful to the book" and "much different than the 1959 William Wyler film," according to Deadline. The reboot is reportedly focusing on Judah Ben-Hur's "formative years" and what leads Messala to betray him.

MGM, which filed for bankruptcy in 2010, had a very strong showing in 2012. The studio was behind box office smashes "Skyfall" and "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," as well as Channing Tatum's surprise hit, "21 Jump Street."

Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London

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