The story of "Ben-Hur" is not based on a true story but is a fictional tale created by Lewis Wallace in his 1880 novel "Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ." The narrative follows Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince falsely accused of treason, who seeks revenge and ultimately encounters Jesus Christ. While the historical context includes real events and figures from the time of Jesus, the specific character of Ben-Hur and his experiences are products of fiction. The novel and its adaptations explore themes of redemption and faith.

Yes, Charlton Heston did perform many of his own stunts while riding the chariot in "Ben-Hur" (1959). However, for safety reasons and the complex nature of the chariot race, stunt doubles were also used for some scenes. The chariot race is one of the most iconic sequences in cinematic history, showcasing Heston's commitment to the role and the film's groundbreaking production. The film won 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

"Ben-Hur" (2016) flopped due to several factors, including poor critical reception, lack of audience interest, and competition from other films. The remake failed to capture the epic scope and emotional depth of the original 1959 classic, leading to comparisons that hurt its reception. Additionally, it had a high production cost and a weak marketing campaign. The film's release timing also coincided with popular blockbusters, making it difficult to attract viewers. Overall, it did not resonate with audiences, resulting in disappointing box office performance.

Yes, there are two notable film adaptations of "Ben-Hur." The first is the classic 1959 version directed by William Wyler, which won 11 Academy Awards and is renowned for its epic scale, particularly the famous chariot race scene. The second is a 2016 remake directed by Timur Bekmambetov, which offers a modern take on the story but did not receive the same critical acclaim or commercial success as the original. Both films are based on Lew Wallace's 1880 novel, "Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ."