Earlier this month, it was reported that the DC Cinematic Universe's very own Wonder Woman - Gal Gadot - was in early talks to play the female lead in Paramount and MGM's upcoming retelling of Ben-Hur. However, as sources close to The Wrap report, she has since had to turn the role down. The primary reason behind this appears to be the actress' long-term commitment to Warner Bros' DC Superhero films, including 2016's Batman Vs Superman and a solo Wonder Woman movie, due to be released in June, 2017.
This news sadly raises questions about the long-term contracts actors are asked to sign these days to participate in these large expanded comic book movie universes. Last month it was suggested that Joaquin Phoenix turned down Marvel's approaches to play Doctor Strange due to the fact that he didn't want to be tied down to a role for such a long period of time. What do you think? Are these binding contracts restricting actors and actresses from taking other roles? Let us know in the comments below!
Ben-Hur will film early next year for a release on February 26th, 2016. The movie, written by John Ridley and Keith Clarke, stars Jack Huston in the titular role, alongside The Fantastic Four's Toby Kebbell as his rival, Messala. Morgan Freeman co-stars, while Timur Bekmamtov will direct the piece.