Rodrigo Santoro Feels Blessed to Play Jesus Christ in "Ben-Hur"‏

Brazilian superstar Rodrigo Santoro (“300,” “300: Rise of an Empire”) plays Jesus Christ, who crosses paths with the film's mortal hero, Ben-Hur (Jack Huston) in Paramount Pictures’ epic action adventure “Ben-Hur,” based on Lew Wallace’s timeless novel, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ.

(Watch the music video “Ceasefire” by King and Country for “Ben-Hur” at http://youtu.be/951JIuwxn94.)

Directed by Timur Bekmambetov (“Wanted”), the film is the epic story of Judah Ben-Hur, a prince falsely accused of treason by his adopted brother Messala (Toby Kebbell), an officer in the Roman army. Stripped of his title and separated from his family and the woman he loves (Nazanin Boniadi), Judah is forced into slavery. After years at sea, Judah returns to his homeland to seek revenge, but finds redemption.

“As soon as I met Rodrigo, it was clear he was the right actor,” recalls Bekmambetov. "He has a God-given talent - Rodrigo can play this spiritual figure while still coming across as the boy next door.”

"Rodrigo was a perfect choice to play Jesus," comments producer Roma Downey. "He’s got strength, kindness and depth."

Four "Ben-Hur" Actors Get Own Character Posters‏

The four principal actors of Paramount Pictures' “Ben-Hur” are featured in the newly-released character posters for the film.

They are Jack Huston as Ben-Hur, a wronged man seeking revenge and redemption; Toby Kebbell who plays Messala, Ben-Hur’s adopted brother and best friend who sets him on his path for vengeance; Morgan Freeman as Sheik Ilderim, Ben-Hur's mentor and benefactor, eventually teaching him to race chariots and Rodrigo Santoro as Jesus Christ, who crosses paths with Ben-Hur at several points in the story.

Big Reveal of Jesus Marks New "Ben-Hur" Trailer‏

The new trailer of Paramount Pictures' new epic, action-adventure “Ben-Hur” is now online, and proudly showcases its Christ-centric tone. The trailer may be viewed at http://youtu.be/-OE46mqgXqo.

Written by Keith Clarke and John Ridley, “Ben-Hur” stars Jack Huston (HBO's “Boardwalk Empire”), Toby Kebbell (“The Prince of Persia”), Morgan Freeman, and also starring Rodrigo Santoro (“300”) as Jesus, Nazanin Boniadi (TV's “Homeland”), Ayelet Zurer (“Angels and Demons”), and Sofia Black D’Elia (“Project Almanac”).

Action-Adventure "Ben-Hur" Reveals International Poster‏

A new international one-sheet art of Paramount Pictures' upcoming epic, action-adventure “Ben-Hur” has just been released, carrying the emotional tagline, “Brother against brother. Slave against empire.”

Directed by Timur Bekmambetov and written by Keith Clarke and John Ridley, “Ben-Hur” stars Jack Huston (HBO's “Boardwalk Empire”), Toby Kebbell (“The Prince of Persia”), Morgan Freeman, and also starring Rodrigo Santoro (“300”), Nazanin Boniadi (TV's “Homeland”), Ayelet Zurer (“Angels and Demons”), and Sofia Black D’Elia (“Project Almanac”).

“Ben-Hur” is the epic story of Judah Ben-Hur (Huston), a prince falsely accused of treason by his adopted brother Messala (Kebbell), an officer in the Roman army. Stripped of his title, separated from his family and the woman he loves (Boniadi), Judah is forced into slavery. After years at sea, Judah returns to his homeland to seek revenge, but finds redemption.

The film is based on Lew Wallace’s timeless novel, “Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ.”

Opening across the Philippines in August 2016, “Ben-Hur” is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.