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The casting process for "Ben-Hur" was monumental as MGM sought 50,000 extras, leading to a final count of 365 speaking roles. Director William Wyler made unconventional choices, using British actors as Romans and Americans as Jews to highlight cultural divides. The search for the lead, Judah Ben-Hur, was competitive, with stars like Burt Lancaster, Paul Newman, and Marlon Brando considered for the part before the role ultimately went to Charlton Heston.