Chariot Race in ‘Ben-Hur’ is Real

The iconic chariot race in Ben-Hur is real in the latest remake of this epic movie. On June 16, FlickeringMyth, reported the latest feature on the chariot race in Ben-Hur. Sonoma Christian Home is reporting from L.A. having screened the powerful new Ben-Hur and interviewed the following: executive producer Roma Downey, producer Mark Burnett, director Timur Bekmambetov, lead actor Jack Huston, principal actor Toby Kebbel, principal actress Nazanin Boniadi, second unit director Phil Neilson and more. What was most impressive in these interviews was the extreme dedication, hard work and heart that each member of the team brought to this movie.

Timur Bekmambetov, who is recognized as one of the most talented Post-Soviet Russian film directors, discussed the real and powerful action sequences, especially the chariot race, but he said that what was most important is what the movie says.

Actor Jack Huston as Judah Ben-Hur and actor Toby Kebbell as Messala in the epic ‘Ben-Hur’ chariot race. Photo Courtesy of MGM.

Jack Huston talked about a simple, but pivotal, moment when he as Judah Ben-Hur tightly held a rock with bare knuckles and then released it. This became a moving, timely, relevant, visual metaphor of the important need to release vengeance and violence to move towards healing forgiveness, restoration and redemption. This moment has come to visually communicate some of the heart of what this movie “says” in actions big and small.

Second unit director Phil Neilson of “Gladiator” fame shared and showed some of the grueling, harrowing, detailed forty 10-hour days of filming the chariot race as Jack Huston as Judah Ben-Hur and Toby Kebbel as Messala and the team worked with no lack of expense in terms of finances and effort. Jack and Toby have both been skilled horsemen and the other charioteers were champion athletes who were some of the best trained in the world for the chariot race. Phil, Jack and Toby all revealed their consummate dedication and depth of heart in this work.

Messala, played by Toby Kebbell, rides in his chariot. Photo Courtesy of MGM.

Stay tuned for much more from exclusive interviews from the premiere screening of Ben-Hur that is coming to theaters this August.