Jason Statham `locked in battle` with Mark Strong to star in Ben-Hur remake

London: Jason Statham and Mark Strong, both are currently "locked in a battle" to land a role in the upcoming 1959 remake of hit film ` Ben-Hur `, it has been revealed.The actors are joint favorites of the film, which is a joint collaboration of MGM and Paramount Pictures, say reports.

Actors like Colin Farrell, Aussie star Russell Crowe and American Matthew McConaughey are also shortlisted to be cast in the film. A senior production source said that casting executives believe that Statham and Strong have the lean, dark and brooding appearance they are looking for, and both of them certainly have the acting skills. The 1959 biblical epic had won 11 Oscars 55 years ago and at the time was the most expensive film ever made, costing 9 million pounds.