The new spots concentrate on the relationship between Huston’s Judah and his adopted brother Messala (Toby Kebbell), and the strife that would turn them into enemies.

While Huston appears to have a good handle on the character of the noble Ben-Hur, we’re thinking that it will be Rodrigo Santoro who steals the movie with his sublime and naturalistic portrayal of Jesus. Santoro has openly acknowledged that he felt the importance of honouring the most important figure in human history, and his portrayal of Jesus has even been blessed by Pope Francis himself.

Ben-Hur will be released in cinemas on August 19 in the US, August 25 in New Zealand and Australia and on September 9 in the UK.

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Rising directing star Duncan Jones brings the epic scope of World of Warcraft to the big screen in bold visuals with impressive digital effects. A long time fan of the massively popular video game franchise, Jones draws on his considerable passion for this world, building a cinematic experience that both old and new fans will get lost in.

With a massive universe of characters, Jones gets his leads right with Travis Fimmel and Toby Kebbell. With old school swashbuckling charm and a talent for the blade, Fimmel makes for a compelling leading man as Sir Anduin Lothar, hero of the Alliance, and a man who sees the bigger picture. Fimmel brings a certain devil may care attitude to Lothar, which is normally not present in fantasy leads, and while his character is classically stoic, he also injects a healthy dose of wit where appropriate.

Facing him is Kebbell as noble Orc war chieftain Durotan, who seeks nothing more than a new home for his wife, son and clan, but who is forced to pick up the axe. Kebbell brings a deep sense of self-sacrifice and steadfast nobleness to Durotan, and his performance as a mo-cap actor really shines through on-screen where he is transformed into the colossal Orc.

Paula Patton brings a strong independence and strength to the role of halfbreed Orc Garona, who has suffered years of abuse at the hands of the Horde, and breaks free with the help of the Alliance to take her revenge. Full prosthetic make-up doesn’t hold her back from the film’s intense battle scenes where she gets to let loose with a broadsword to devastating effect. Rob Kazinsky realises a dream come true as Orc anti-hero Orgrim Doomhammer, who is the film’s all-round bruiser, while Ben Schnetzer makes a big impression as the over-eager mage Khadgar, and is a seriously strong talent to keep an eye on.

Fans of fantasy combat will get their fill with Warcraft: The Beginning, which also boasts some truly epic battle scenes that take up every inch of the big screen, with Lothar’s duel against Clancy Brown’s Blackhand being a truly memorable watch. But it is the visual effect artisans who are the true heroes of this movie, and the work they have done is equally thrilling and powerful.

Fans of the fantasy genre will eat up Warcraft: The Beginning, and it’s no doubt thanks to the passionate crew who worked on this project.

Image source: Paramount Pictures

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The new featurettes focus on the heroes of both the mighty human Alliance, and the savage yet noble orcish Horde. Taking centre stage for the Alliance is Travis Fimmel as Sir Anduin Lothar, a courageous yet headstrong knight who puts his allegiance to the Kingdom of Stormwind before everything else. Following him is rookie mage Khadgar, played by newcomer Ben Schnetzer, who has a knack for magic, and whose potential could be just what saves the humans.

But the heroes of Warcraft: The Beginning don’t solely belong to the Alliance, as the Horde have many noble warriors including Paula Patton’s fearsome half-orc Garona, a former prisoner who will never let herself be bound to slavery again. Taking charge of the Horde is Toby Kebbell as Frost Wolf chieftain Durotan, a strong and charismatic leader who is skilled in the art of war, and who will do whatever is necessary to ensure that his people find a new home.

In addition to learning about these amazing characters, we also get a sneak peak at the behind-the-scenes magic that was used to bring them to life. From extensive fight training for Fimmel and Patton, to the use of motion capture to bring Durotan to life, Warcraft: The Beginning is thoroughly epic in scope.

Fans of the franchise have waited long enough for this movie, and with Duncan Jones at the helm they will not be disappointed. Warcraft: The Beginning is set to stun the world when it’s released in cinemas on June 10 in the US and on June 15 in New Zealand and Australia.

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