MGM and Paramount have found their Ben-Hur!

Jack Huston will play the titular role in the film studios' biblical epic remake of "Ben-Hur," an individual with knowledge of the production told TheWrap.

The deal, however, has not yet been finalized and could still fall apart, The Hollywood Reporter noted.

Closely based on the 1880 Lew Wallace novel "Ben-Hur: A Tale Of The Christ," the remake will follow the story of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince, and Messala, a son of a Roman tax collector, who grew up best friends before the Roman Empire took control of Jerusalem. The latter leaves to study in Rome for five years and returns with a different attitude, mocking his then-best friend Judah and his religion. When a procession passes by Judah's house and a roof tile accidentally falls and hits the governor, Messala betrays him and uses the accident to sell him into slavery. After years as a slave, Judah vows revenge, culminating in the famed chariot races, Deadline reported.

Huston actually read for the role of Messala but director Timur Bekmambetov said that the 31-year-old British actor had the sympathetic manner and grit to play the protagonist, according to Deadline.

Tom Hiddleston was also considered to play Ben-Hur.

If Huston officially lands the part, he will join previously announced cast member Morgan Freeman, who will play the role of Ildarin, the man who teaches the Ben-Hur to become a champion-caliber chariot racer. MGM and Paramount still have to find their Messala.

Bekmambetov will direct the film from a screenplay originally written by Keith Clarke, and was later revised by "12 Years a Slave" writer John Ridley. Filming is set to begin in Europe next year.

Sean Daniel and Joni Levin of "The Mummy" franchise as well as Mark Burnett will produce the historical drama film. Ridley and Clarke, along with Roma Downey and Jason F. Brown, will serve as executive producers.

Huston recently starred in "American Hustle" and in "Kill Your Darlings." He also had a recurring role as Richard Harrow in the TV series "Boardwalk Empire" from 2010 to 2013. Last year, he was also part of the cast of the West End adaptation of the Patricia Highsmith novel "Strangers on a Train," BBC News reported.

"Ben-Hur" is set to be released on Feb. 26, 2016.