Could a Remake of ‘Ben Hur’ Really Work?

Aintitcool is reporting that MGM is mulling a remake of “Ben Hur,” which has thus far had two versions, one in the silent film era, and the other, more famous one, starring Charlton Heston made in the late 1950s.

The first reaction one has is to reach for a baseball bat. Heston’s “Ben Hur” with its epic scenes of naval battles, Roman triumphs, and chariot races, combined with a wonderful story of a Jewish prince whose life intersects with that of Jesus Christ, with its themes of forgiveness and faith, is the perfect Biblical movie. One does not remake “The Last Supper” or the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

Indeed it has all the potential of being like the awful remake of “Cleopatra” that had Timothy Dalton miscast as Caius Julius Caesar and an actress as Cleopatra who was fortunately forgotten.

On the other hand, a fresh approach to “Ben Hur,” with some more source material added, such as the childhood friendship of Judah and Massala, could work under capable hands. It would have to be made by people with masterful skills in making epics and yet at the very least do not have problems with religion. It would be better that a remake of “Ben Hur” be developed by people of faith. Too many people in Hollywood are hostile to religion or at the very least do not understand people who take it seriously.

Of course the exercise of who to cast in the major roles has to be indulged in. Taking away nothing from the late, great Heston, but maybe this time someone who looks more Jewish could star as Prince Judah Ben Hur. The 1950s production did cast an Israeli as Esther, so why not extend that principle? Massala, on the other hand, needs to be a hunky, handsome sort who can cut a good swath in a toga and look menacing in a chariot.

Quintus Arrius, the Roman soldier-statesman who rescues Ben Hur from the galleys, could be played by Russell Crowe or maybe even Alan Rickman if one wants to add a little upper crust Roman smarmy to the role.

And, yes, the thing has to be a trilogy, to bump up the box office and to spread out the production costs.