The BBC reports British actor Jack Huston is being lined up to take the lead role in the remake of Ben-Hur.

Huston had parts in American Hustle and Boardwalk Empire, and is the nephew of Anjelica Huston. 

While The Hollywood Reporter said his role in the MGM-Paramount production had not been confirmed yet, the BBC speculates he will be cast as Judah Ben-Hur, who was played by Charlton Heston in the 1959 original. 

The script for the film has been written by 12 Years a Slave's John Ridley and is scheduled for release in February 2016. 

Morgan Freeman is reported to have a supporting role in the movie, which is based on Lew Wallace's 1880 novel Ben Hur: A Tale of the Christ.  

In the story, Ben-Hur is sold into slavery after being betrayed by his friend Messala, played in the 1959 version by Stephen Boyd.  Ben-Hur is thirsty for revenge but that changes when he is profoundly affected by his encounters with Jesus. 

The Ben-Hur remake has some big shoes to fill as the 1959 version won 11 Oscars and remains a much loved classic over half a century later.  

The production team for the remake includes The Bible's Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, who have promised it will be "the most anticipated movie release of 2016".  

And while some Christians were left disappointed by this year's big Christian movie release, Noah, MGM and Paramount have promised Ben-Hur will get "to the heart of Lew Wallace's epic novel focusing on the nature of faith".