If you were to ask any one you know what film earned the most Oscars in history, they'll probably be quick to answer with the likes of The Lord of the Rings series or Titanic. Yet, only those who are really knowledgeable of the vast history of film will recall that honor also belongs to the 1969 film Ben-Hur. The film itself starred Charlton Heston of Planet of the Apes fame in the title role, and is arguably considered on of the greatest movies of all time, yet of course that hasn't stopped Hollywood from wanting to remake it for a 2016 release. Of course the best case scenario is that we get a classic film updated for modern audiences with it's classical value intact, and this new rumors seems to be fitting the remake already on the right track.
According to Deadline, the Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted) directed remake is eyeing Tom Hiddleston for it's lead role. Hiddleston is of course best known for his turn as Loki, the primary villain of the films Thor and The Avengers, which is credited for his rise in star power. Eyeing an actor with the theater credits and large fanbase like Hiddleston's makes sense given the time of star a role like Ben-Hur requires. The remake is seemingly taking the right route but not simply going with one of Hollywood's top award winning actors who wouldn't even fit the role, yet still choosing someone who is well known enough to lead a film like this for a new generation.
Biblical films are beginning to experience a resurgence in Hollywood, although it's still hard to tell whether their directors and actors are aiming for them to be award contenders or swords and sandals action flicks. Despite being directed by acclaimed director Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan) and starring a bankable star as it's lead (Russell Crowe), last year's Noah didn't leave as much of an impression on audiences and critics (Aside from religious controversy) as it's cast and crew had hoped it would. Yet despite the problems Noah faced, this hasn't stopped Ridley Scott from finally releasing his Exodus: God and Kings this year, which will hopefully help pave the way for Ben-Hur's success.
Of course the main concern for most fans of the original film is whether direct Timur Bekmambetov will be able to deliver a quality film despite his lackluster track record. Aronofsky and Scott were both able to attract a lot of great talent to their films thanks to their past work, which as an advantage Bekmambetov lacks in comparison. The involvement of Hiddleston would certainly help in that regard, hopefully convincing more talented actors to look past Bekmambetov's track record and focus on the opportunity to co-star with Hiddleston in such an important film.
So how do you feel about Tom Hiddleston possibly playing Ben-Hur? Will you see the film when it hits theaters on February 26, 2016?
