New Ben-Hur Clip Teases Epic, Deadly Race

While it seems very daunting to remake a film that was done just about perfectly already, we're betting big on director Timur Bekmambetov; the man understands how to film ripping action. While Ben-Hur has been adapted for the big screen several times, most famously in 1959, with Charlton Heston in the lead role and which went on to be nominated for 11 Academy Awards, we're going to bet that Bekmambetov's version will be worth your time. He's the man behind the fantastic series Night Watch and Day Watch, two films that prove his mettle when it comes to filming incredible action sequences. as well as 2008's Angelina Jolie-led Wanted. His Ben-Hur, a classic swords and sandals epic based on Lew Wallace's novel, has, as the previous films had, the epic chariot race at it's heart—and it looks amazing.

Paramount released a new clip that takes us right to the start of the chariot race. Jack Huston is your lead, with a supporting cast including Toby Kebbell, Morgan Freeman, Rodrigo Santoro, Nazanin Boniadi, Ayelet Zorer and Sofia Black-D’Elia.

Ben-Hur is the story of Judah Ben-Hur (Huston), a prince falsely accused of treason by his adopted brother Messala (Toby Kebbell), an officer in the Roman army. Ripped of his family, his title, and his lfie, Ben-Hur is forced into slavery. He spends years at sea, but finally gets a chance to return home and seek his revenge. 

Ben-Hur rumbles into theaters on August 19. Check out the clip below.