Homeland's Nazanin Boniadi Lands 'Ben-Hur' Female Lead!

Nazanin Boniadi has landed the coveted female lead role in the upcoming remake of the classic film Ben-Hur, according to Deadline.

The 34-year-old Iranian-British actress, who is best known for playing CIA operative Fara Sherazi on the Showtime series Homeland, will be playing the role of Esther.

Gal Gadot was previously in discussions for the part, but scheduling conflicts arose and she wasn’t able to take the role.

Ben-Hur will feature Jack Huston in the title role and other actors in the film will include Toby Kebbell, Olivia Cooke, Pedro Pascal, and Morgan Freeman. The story follows a falsely accused nobleman who survives years of slavery to take vengeance on his best friend who betrayed him.