Remakes are becoming a nasty habit in Hollywood at the moment and one particular masterpiece is about to be given the treatment by MGM much to my anger!

Deadline confirmed that the studio have announced a new version of the Biblical epic Ben-Hur which is set to be written by Keith Clarke and adapted from Lew Wallace’s 19th Century novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. The decision comes after the studio enjoyed recent success with the 007-blockbuster Skyfall and the fantasy prequel The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

The story sees Jewish prince Judah Ben-Hur sent into slavery by his former friend Masala but vows revenge whilst also encountering Jesus Christ. Two film versions of the tale have already been made, a silent one in 1925 and the more critically acclaimed 1959 epic (winner of eleven Oscars) which starred Charlton Heston as Judah and featured the iconic chariot race which is placed amongst cinema’s greatest scenes.

Sadly Ben-Hur isn’t the only biblical epic being planned with Steven Spielberg (Jaws, E.T: The Extra Terrestrial, Schindler’s List) and Ridley Scott (Alien, Gladiator) both making films about Moses while Darren Aronofosky (The Fountain, Black Swan) is currently working on Noah which stars Russell Crowe (Gladiator, Cinderella Man).

I’m sure fellow fans of the classic Ben-Hur films will be dreading how this new version will turn out. Look at what happened to Spartacus….