'Boardwalk Empire's' Jack Huston To Star In 'Ben-Hur' Movie Remake - 'American Hustle' Actor Takes On Charlton Heston's Iconic Role - Joins Morgan Freeman

Jack Huston has been making quite the name for himself with supporting roles in big movies like American Hustle and showcasing his talents on HBO's Boardwalk Empire, but this week the young actor was named leading man of the upcoming Ben-Hur remake. Directed by Timur Bekmambetov and costarring Morgan Freeman, Huston will take on the role that garnered an Academy Award for Charlton Heston in 1960.

While it's easier to call this new project a remake, this new Ben-Hur production is more of a "re-adaptation" according to reports. It will stay faithful to Lew Wallace's 1880 novel, with a script from Keith Clarke and rewrites by John Ridley.

This story will focus on the friendship between Jeiwsh prince Judah Ben-Hur (Huston) and a Roman tac collector's son, Messala. The latter betrays Judah, selling him into slavery where he meets Morgan Freeman's character, Ildarin, who molds the slave into a champion chariot racer.

Huston was actually up for the role of Messala previously, which fans of the actor were pretty excited about. His range would have made for an excellent villain. Thor actor Tom Hiddleston was eyed for the leading role, but he's become increasingly busy recently (he was most recently cast in Skull Island, a King Kong origin story), so Huston was offered the role.

For fans of cinema, Ben-Hur is right up there with the likes of Lawrence of Arabia and other epic stories of biblical proportions.

What do you think of this casting news? Let us know in the comments section below!

(via The Hollywood Reporter / Slash Film)