14 Sep – Based on the novel, "Ben Hur: A Tale of the Christ", written by Lew Wallace, Paramonut Pictures and MGM have announced that they will co-produce the film "Ben Hur" with Morgan Freeman to star. According to Deadline, the film will be a remake of the 1959 epic historical film, "Ben Hur" but the storyline will stick closer to the original novel this time around. It is also confirmed that Morgan Freeman will be playing the role of Ildarin, the person who teaches the hero, Ben Hur to become a champion-calibre chariot racer. For now, Freeman is the only one who has officially signed on to the film while the cast for the other characters have not yet been confirmed. However, it was rumoured that Tom Hiddleston was scouted for the role, Ben Hur but no further news was reported whether or not he will accept the role. "Ben Hur" remake will be directed by "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" director, Timur Bekmambetov with Mark Burnett and Roma Downey to co-produce the film. The script was first written by Keith Clarke but was rewritten by "12 Years a Slave" writer, John Ridley. Freeman had recently also joined Seth MacFarlane's comedy sequel "Ted 2". "Ben Hur" is scheduled for release on 26 February 2016 in North America.