Celebrity
Mel Gibson Planning Passion of the Christ Sequel – Jesus’ Resurrection
ORLANDO, Fla., (FNN NEWS) – The Passion of the Christ is getting a sequel, as Mel Gibson is moving forward on a film that tells the story of Jesus’ resurrection.
In 2004, the controversial film hit cinemas worldwide, making an astonishing $612 million on a $30 million budget.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the 60-year-old actor and director is working on a script with Braveheart writer Randall Wallace.
While the original was heavily criticised due to the staggering level of violence used as it told the story of Christ’s crucifixion, the new film is likely to have a far more upbeat tone.
Oscar-nominated Wallace confirmed he was working on the script, saying they decided to work on the movie while making Hacksaw Ridge, which tells the story of a Second World War army medic who became the first conscientious objector to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Wallace, who studied religion at Duke University, said: ‘I always wanted to tell this story. The Passion is the beginning and there’s a lot more story to tell.’
The writer said they were interested due to the huge demand among the religious devotees who helped the original become the highest grossing independent movie of all time.
He said: ‘The evangelical community considers The Passion the biggest movie ever out of Hollywood, and they kept telling us that they think a sequel will be even bigger.’
However they have yet to secure any funding, as the project is still at an early stage. Wallace did however say there has already been interest from financiers.
He added: ‘It’s too early to talk money. This is such a huge and sacred subject.’
Jim Caviezel as Jesus in the 2004 hit film “The Passion of the Christ”
Gibson expressed interest in making a sequel to The Passion last month, when he was asked about the subject at the Christian university graduation ceremony in Virginia, where he was holding an advance screening of Hacksaw Ridge.
The actor’s spokesman declined to comment on the project.
The original film split reviewers, with the likes of Roger Ebert hailing it as an artistic triumph, while other labelled it a snuff film, and criticised how it portayed Jewish people.
Monica Bellucci starred as Mary Magdalene in the 2004 hit film “The Passion of the Christ”. Photo by Florida National News
It is unclear whether the 2004 film’s original stars Jim Caviezel and Monica Bellucci, who portrayed Jesus and Mary Magdalene respectively, will return to their roles.
A movie about Christ’s resurrection called Risen was released in February, and made $46 million worldwide on a $20 million budget.
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