Timur Bekmambetov’s Ben-Hur remake now slated for a 2016 release

Timur Bekmambetov‘s remake of classic BEN-HUR just gained a couple of producers who know their way around a Biblical epic. Roma Downey and Mark Burnett, producers of recent cable hit THE BIBLE, have joined BEN-HUR in a similar capacity to help shepherd the movie to the big screen.

Deadline reports that the MGM/Paramount film will serve more as a new adaptation of the original novel rather than the 1959 movie that starred Charlton Heston. Both will retain the same core plot.

A falsely accused nobleman who survives years of slavery to take vengeance on the best friend who betrayed him, as both have to choose retribution or forgiveness. In the backdrop is the journey of Jesus Christ, leading up to him being crucified.

The new BEN-HUR is being scripted by Keith Clarke and 12 YEARS A SLAVE Oscar winner John Ridley. No cast has been announced yet but the movie signals Hollywood’s continued return to large scale epics based on or set during the Old Testament. Darren Aronofsky‘s NOAH has proven to be a global success with over $300 million gross to date. Ridley Scott‘s EXODUS will hit theaters at the end of this year and now BEN-HUR has announced a release date of February 26, 2016.

Remaking a Best Picture winner still seems like a bad idea and Timur Bekmambetov is not exactly known for making historically accurate films (ahem, ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER), but you cannot argue he may reinvent the iconic chariot scene from the first film in a very unique manner.