In a world of remakes, reboots and reimaginings, it can be difficult to find the silver lining in the Hollywood clouds.

Ben Hur, a film that begot the Hollywood blockbuster of its day in 1959 starred Charlton Heston, apparently needed a new version.  Directed by Timur Bekmambetov (Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, Wanted), this updated in style version has almost everything a period film needs.

Not familiar with the story?  Well, a falsely accused nobleman survives years of slavery to take vengeance on his best friend who betrayed him.  Check out the first trailer:

*I* am excited because I love Jack Huston from his time on Boardwalk Empire as the Faceless Man, as well as from the highly underrated Viking/Alien epic Outlander.  Not to mention, the cast list for this 2016 film looks to be one of the most diverse for a tale set in this particular part of the world.

Ben Hur is set to open on August 12th, 2016.