'Ben-Hur' Casting News: Gal Gadot Drops Lead Role Due To Conflict With Batman v Superman Film, 'Homeland' Star Nazanin Boniadi Replaces Israeli Actress

Actress Gal Gadot has already been in talks for the female lead role in the upcoming "Ben-Hur" remake film but the "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" star was forced to drop down the part because of work schedule conflict. The latest casting reports revealed that "Homeland" star Nazanin Boniadi has replaced the 29-year-old Israeli actress for the role of Esther.

According to an exclusive Deadline report, the 34-year-old Iranian actress landed the female lead role opposite "Boardwalk Empire" actor Jack Huston. The report further revealed that the other actress who were considered for the role include Algeria-born actress Sofia Boutella, Israeli actress Moran Atias and "The Double" actress Natalia Warner.

A Movie Web report revealed that Israeli actress Gal Gadot entered the discussion to portray Esther in the upcoming "Ben-Hur" film in mid-October. However, the "Fast & Furious 6" star was forced to walk away from the role a couple of weeks after the discussion.

Gal Gadot cited work schedule conflict as the reason why she could not accept the role of Esther in "Ben-Hur." The actress currently portrays superhero Wonder Woman in the upcoming "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" film with Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck as Superman and Batman, respectively.

A month after Gal Gadot dropped the female lead role, the studio found their replacement in the Iranian actress. Nazanin Boniadi is known for portraying CIA operative Fara Sherazi on the Emmy award-winning drama series starring actress Claire Danes titled "Homeland."

Nazanin Boniadi joins the other "Ben-Hur" cast members such as Toby Kebbell as Messalla and Morgan Freeman as Ben-Hur's mentor and teacher to champion chariot racing. Timur Bekmambetov is set to direct the upcoming film with a Keith R. Clarke-written script that received revisions from John Ridley of "12 Years a Slave."

The "Ben-Hur" remake film is reportedly close to the 1880 Lew Wallace novel that includes the tale of Jesus Christ which was not included in the 1959 "Ben-Hur" film starring Charlton Heston. Details on when the production will kick off are still unknown. As for the film's release date, "Ben-Hur" is set to arrive in movie theaters on Feb. 26, 2016.

More Articles to Read:

Adele Working On A New Pop Album With Producer Greg Kurstin, Release Date Set In Spring 2015 - Report - [READ]

Maisie Williams: 'Game of Thrones' Actress Still Interested To Portray Character Named Ellie In The Upcoming 'The Last of Us' Film - [READ]

Tyler Posey: 'Teen Wolf' Actor Teases Original Untitled Song On YouTube, Serenades Fans Shirtless Next To The Pool [WATCH VIDEO] - [READ]