'Ben-Hur': First Trailer for Re-Do Is Here
A new version of Ben-Hur shares its title and plot with one of all-time classics, the 1959 epic starring Charlton Heston. But younger audiences will be forgiven for being reminded of a different swords-and-sandals Oscar winner when they see the film’s first trailer (watch above): 2000’s Gladiator.
The trailer wastes no time in establishing a gritty and menacing, new millennium tone, portraying a shipwreck set to furious guitar chords that frees our titular nobleman (Jack Huston) from slavery. Directed with the trademark visual style of Russian helmer Timur Bekmambetov (Night Watch, Wanted), the swashbuckler then follows Ben’s attempts to reclaim his prestigious place in society and take revenge on those who wronged him (which can be achieved via chariot-racing, natch). The major twist the new Ben-Hur brings to the table: The antagonist our hero must avenge is not his friend, but his own brother (played by Toby Kebbell). Meanwhile, Morgan Freeman shows up sporting an atypically long mop as Ben’s co-conspirator, Ilderim.
Related: ‘Ben-Hur’ Jesus Blessed By Pope Francis in Rome
Now, before we go bemoaning Hollywood’s dearth of fresh ideas, this time with material admittedly very boldly treading into AFI Top 100 territory, remember that the 1959 version of Ben-Hur itself was a remake of a 1925 silent film, and both were adaptations of an 1880 novel.
That said, this one’s got some big sandals to fill.
Ben-Hur opens Aug. 12.
‘Ben-Hur’ flashback: Watch the teaser trailer for the 1959 classic with Charlton Heston:
