On the same day that it was officially announced that the star will be headlining a Wonder Woman feature film, The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that Gal Gadot is being targeted to play the female lead in MGM and Paramount’s upcoming Timur Bekmambetov-directed remake of Ben-Hur.
Set for a release on February 26, 2016, the new take on Ben-Hur was originally scripted by Keith Clarke (The Way Back), with revisions by Academy Award-winner John Ridley (12 Years a Slave). It is based on Lew Wallace’s 1880 epic novel “Ben-Hur: A Tale of The Christ.”
The film is said to return to the heart of the epic novel with a focus on the nature of faith. The story follows a falsely-accused nobleman who survives years of slavery to take vengeance on his best friend who betrayed him. Both must come to choose between retribution or forgiveness.
Gadot would play Esther, a slave and romantic interest to Jack Huston’s leading man. Morgan Freeman and Toby Kebbell are also set to star.
Producers include Mark Burnett, Sean Daniel and Joni Levin with Jason F. Brown, Keith Clarke, Roma Downey and John Ridley is serving as executive producer.
(Photo Credit: WENN.com)
