MGM is planning a new adaptation of Lew Wallace's 1880 novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, Deadline reports. The text has been previously adapted for stage, screen and radio with William Wyler's 1959 version the most well-known version today.

The outlet suggests that plans for the new version, to be based on a spec script by Keith Clarke (The Way Back), will follow Wallace's original novel and the life of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince sold into slavery who then vows revenge against the man responsible. Set in the early years of the first century, Ben-Hur's struggles parallel those of Jesus Christ.

No director is currently attached to the project, but Sean Daniel and Joni Levin will produce with Clarke and Jason Brown executive producing.