Christian Classic 'Ben-Hur' Set For Comeback; Mark Burnett, Roma Downey Will Produce

Ben Hur
Ben Hur

Mark Burnett and Roma Downey are set to produce a new, big budget version of the Christian classic, Ben-Hur.  

Like others adaptations before, Keith Clarke and John Ridley's script is based on Lew Wallace's 1880 novel "Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ." According to Variety, the story focuses on the years prior to those portrayed in a 1959 film, centering on the characters Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince and merchant in Jerusalem, and his childhood friend Messala, who returns home as a commanding officer of the Roman legions and betrays the Ben-Hur family.

Ben Hur
Ben Hur

The 1959 classic starred Charlton Heston,Stephen Boyd, Jack Hawkins and Hugh Griffith, and is probably the most famous of the previous renditions of the story.  Known for its spectacular chariot race scene and stunning seascape scenery, the film won 11 Oscars, including best picture.

A 1925 version did very well,also.

Burnett and Downey also produced the recently released film Son of God, and have gained many fans and helped in the revival of Christian films and television lately.  

Roma Downey and Mark Burnett Son of God
Roma Downey and Mark Burnett Son of God

MGM and Paramount will co-produce the new version of the Ben-Hur story.  Paramount has also done very well in the Christian market, and has helped drive Hollywood's new attention to biblical epics with Darren Aronofsky's Noah. That film, which produced much debate in the Christian community, recently crossed $300 million in global ticket sales.

Some think that the choice of Burnett and Downey is proof that Paramount feels like the Noah movie would have been an even bigger success if a known Christian had been at the helm.  

Chris Stone, founder of Faith Driven Consumer, the group behind the movement that played a role in Phil Robertson's return to "Duck Dynasty," applauded the move.

"If faith-driven consumers were a core target for Noah, Darren Aronofsky was the wrong choice. Having left untold millions on the table with that film, Paramount appears to have learned from its mistakes and to be taking a completely new approach with the upcoming remake of Ben-Hur by signing producers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey," Stone told Entertainment Weekly.

"Burnett and Downey have a strong track record of success in understanding, respecting, and reaching Faith Driven Consumers. If Ben-Hur is managed like their previous projects - which are the model of how to do this right - it could be the next Passion of the Christ, which set the standard for Biblical box office performance," Stone continued.

"We are thrilled to have Mark and Roma join the production team to bring such an indelible classic story to the big screen," MGM CEO Gary Barber said in a statement.

"Their unrivaled passion, creativity and success in the faith-based content space will be a huge asset to the film, and we look forward to working together," he continued.

The team of Burnett and Downey seem ready to get to work, too.  

"What an honor it will be to help bring this epic film back to the big screen," they said in the statement. "When Gary Barber allowed us to read John Ridley's amazing script, we immediately knew we had to join this team." 

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.