YouTube-Inspired Director Used GoPro Cameras to Capture Ben-Hur Chariot Action

Before Timur Bekmambetov shot a single frame of the new Ben-Hur, he wanted to find out exactly what it felt like to be in the kind of four-horse chariot race that propelled its 1959 predecessor to 11 Academy Awards.

So the Russian director got behind the reins himself.

"I asked our stunt coordinator to let me ride the chariot, which was absolutely illegal because it's dangerous,"

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 

New Ben-Hur Trailer & Closer Look at Chariot Race

Director Timur Bekmambetov knows action. He's the man behind the fantastic series Night Watch and Day Watch, as well as 2008's Angelina Jolie-led Wanted. His latest is Ben-Hur, a classic swords and sandals epic based on Lew Wallace's novel, has been adapted for the big screen several times, most famously in 1959,

Join Jack Huston for a Deadly Chariot Race in 1st Ben-Hur Trailer

Hoo-boy! Director Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted, Night Watch), a man who knows his way around an action film, sure looks like he had some fun filming Ben-Hur.  Paramount Pictures just released the first trailer for the film, which opens on August 12, and appears to be a visceral remake of the 1959 classic. Ben-Hur is a legendary tale of betrayal and redemption,