Back in 1959, Charlton Heston became a Hollywood superstar following his renowned role as the heroic Judah Ben-Hur in William Wyler’s biblical epic Ben-Hur. The film was that loved by critics and audiences that it went on to garner an incredible eleven Oscar wins, a record that it proudly shares with Titanic (1997) and Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (2003).

What made the film’s success even more remarkable was that it was a remake of the original 1925 silent flick with both films coincidentally produced by MGM. It also helped that audiences were left jaw-dropped by the majestic chariot race scenes that remain as spectacular to watch now as they did back then.

Unfortunately it has now found itself becoming the latest classic to be given the remake treatment by Hollywood with the official trailer premiering earlier today.

Directed by Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter) and adapted from Lew Wallace’s novel A Tale of the Christ, the story focuses on Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince who is betrayed by his adoptive brother Messala who has now become a Roman general. Judah spends the next few years in captivity but eventually gains his freedom which leads to him vowing revenge.

British actors Jack Huston (Boardwalk Empire, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies) and Toby Kebbell (Dead Man’s Shoes, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes) play Ben-Hur and Messala respectfully while Oscar-winner Morgan Freeman (The Shawshank Redemption, The Dark Knight trilogy) portrays Ilderin, the horse trainer who helps our hero prepare for the iconic chariot race.

Additional acting support comes from Nazazin Boniadi (Scandal, Homeland), Pilou Asbæk (Lucy, Game of Thrones), Ayelet Zurer (Vantage Point, Man of Steel), Sofia Black-D’Elia (Gossip Girl, The Immigrant), James Cosmo (Braveheart, Game of Thrones) and Rodrigo Santoro (Love Actually, 300).

Ben-Hur will be released in the UK on August 26th. Those who are loyal to the 1959 classic can still reflect on its wonder with this powerful clip below, a scene which was memorably parodied by Mr Burns in The Simpsons!