MGM and Paramount are set to begin casting their remake of swords-and-sandals classic, Ben-Hur, with Tom Hiddleston thought to be in line for the title role.

Deadline reports that Hiddleston is the studios’ first choice for the role, with contact thought to have been made, albeit in a preliminary capacity.

The report does go on to clarify that the casting is far from a done deal, with the star currently turning over a number of different offers, including one for another MGM project in the shape of Me Before You.

The most recent draft of the Ben-Hur script was penned by Twelve Years A Slave‘s Oscar-winning John Ridley, and is said to draw heavily on the Jesus Christ story, which runs in parallel with the actions of Judah Ben-Hur.

With Timur Bekmambetov in place to direct, as US release date has been set for 26 February 2016, with production set to start early next year. With a lengthy shoot in the pipeline, expect casting decisions to be made sooner rather than later.