Paramount, MGM to remake historical epic ‘Ben-Hur’ with producers Burnett, Downey
NEW YORK, N.Y. – Mark Burnett and Roma Downey will produce a new version of the historical epic “Ben-Hur,” as the faith-based film revival continues on the big screen.
Paramount Pictures and MGM announced Friday that they will co-produce “Ben-Hur” with Burnett and Downey, who also made the recent miniseries “The Bible.” The film is set for release in February 2016.
Lewis Wallace’s 1880 novel has been adapted several times, most notably the 1959 film starring Charlton Heston. Famous for its chariot race scene, the film won 11 Academy Awards, including best picture.
Burnett and Downey also produced the recently released film “Son of God,” which used footage from “The Bible.”
Paramount has helped drive Hollywood’s new attention to biblical epics with Darren Aronofsky’s “Noah.” It recently crossed $300 million in global box office.
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