Director Timur Bekmambetov is in early talks to direct the Ben-Hur remake for MGM Studios.

We first reported on the project back in January, when MGM acquired the spec screenplay from Keith R. Clarke (The Way Back). The script is said to be much more faithful to the original 1880 novel by Lew Wallace, exploring the early years of Judah Ben-Hur and Messalla, who grew up as best friends before the Roman Empire took over Jerusalem. The story follows Ben-Hur as he is sold into slavery by Messalla years later. The script also includes the tale of Jesus Christ, whose story is told in parallel with Ben-Hur's, and culminates with his death at the hands of Pontius Pilate.

Sean Daniel and Joni Levin are producing for MGM, with Keith R. Clarke and Jason F. Brown serving as executive prodcuers.

Timur Bekmambetov's deal has not been fully worked out yet, and there is a chance that talks may fall through, so stay tuned for more about this upcoming remake. Timur Bekmambetov most recently directed Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, and he is also attached to direct Heatseekers for producer Michael Bay.