When the original Ben-Hur opened in theaters in 1959, the thrilling chariot race scenes caught everyone’s eyes. William Wyler’s groundbreaking direction led the film to a massive box office haul, a record-breaking 11 Oscar wins and legendary status. Now, the director of Wanted and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter has remade the film, proving that nothing is sacred anymore. That being said, Timur Bekmanbetov knows a thing or two about creating awe-inspiring action scenes.
In a new clip from the Bekmanbetov-helmed remake, Judah Ben-Hur (Jack Huston) races his adopted brother Messala (Toby Kebbell) and a host of other dastardly Romans. It’s a brief look, but it looks like fans of effects-driven action will definitely have fun with this new take on the classic epic.
Remakes are hit-or-miss, but hey, look on the bright side: at least this Ben-Hur isn’t set in modern-day Manhattan with Ferraris instead of chariots.
Ben-Hur opens in theaters on August 19, 2016.
