‘Fantastic Four’ Star Toby Kebbell Prepping for Villainous ‘Ben-Hur’ Role
If you don't know Toby Kebbell, you soon will. The 32-year-old actor recently finished production on Josh Trank's 'Fantastic Four' reboot, in which he plays the villainous Doctor Doom, and he also played bad ape Koba in 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.' In continuing this streak of villainy, Kebbell is looking to become the antagonist in the 'Ben-Hur' remake.
As first reported by Variety, Kebbell is in early talks to portray Messala, portrayed by actor Stephen Boyd in the original 1959 film, in 'Ben-Hur.' 'Boardwalk Empire' and 'American Hustle' star Jack Huston is already set in the role of Judah Ben-Hur, a nobleman who endures years of slavery after his best friend (Messala) betrays him. Once a free man again, Judah returns to exact his revenge.
Kebbell has been acting for a while but has only recently been propelling himself into the spotlight. Aside from the 'Fantastic Four' and 'Planet of the Apes' franchises, he also has a role in Duncan Jones' upcoming 'Warcraft' movie, due out in 2016. 'Ben-Hur' marks another major step forward for the actor, as the original film, itself a biblical story, earned numerous Oscars, and the remake has been eyeing such star talent to fill out its ranks. Prior to Huston's casting, for example, Tom Hiddleston was eyed for the lead, though he eventually traded this one in for the 'King Kong' prequel, 'Skull Island.'
'Ben-Hur' will hit theaters on February 26, 2016. Watch the trailer for the original below.