Entertainment

Historical epic "Ben-Hur" to get a reboot

/ CBS/AP

Mark Burnett and Roma Downey will produce a new version of the historical epic "Ben-Hur," as the faith-based film revival continues on the big screen.

Paramount Pictures and MGM announced Friday that they will co-produce "Ben-Hur" with Burnett and Downey, who also made the recent miniseries "The Bible."

Lewis Wallace's 1880 novel has been adapted several times, most notably the 1959 film starring Charlton Heston, Stephen Boyd, Jack Hawkins and Hugh Griffith. Famous for its chariot race scene, the film won 11 Academy Awards, including best picture. There was also a 1925 movie starring Ramon Novarro and Francis X. Bushman.

Burnett and Downey also produced the recently released film "Son of God," which used footage from "The Bible."

Paramount has helped drive Hollywood's new attention to biblical epics with Darren Aronofsky's "Noah." It recently crossed $300 million in global box office.

The new "Ben-Hur" is expected to be released on Feb. 26, 2016.

First published on April 25, 2014 / 3:33 PM EDT

© 2014 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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