MOVIE NEWS – Mel Gibson, known for directing acclaimed films such as Braveheart, Apocalypto, and Hacksaw Ridge, is preparing to bring one of his most polarizing projects to life. This time, it’s not about his controversial views on medical practices or social issues, but the sequel to his 2004 biblical drama The Passion of the Christ. The follow-up, titled The Resurrection of the Christ, promises to revisit some of the most sacred themes in Christian history.

According to Variety, Gibson spoke on Joe Rogan’s podcast, revealing that he remains committed to creating a sequel to his original film, which depicted the final hours of Jesus’ life before the crucifixion. Gibson hinted that production might finally kick off in 2026, working from a script co-written by his brother, Randall Wallace, an Academy Award nominee.

“I’m hoping to start next year at some point. The project is pretty intense—it’s like an acid trip. I’ve never encountered anything like it before,” Gibson shared.

Interestingly, Jim Caviezel, who portrayed Jesus in the first film, will not be returning. Gibson cited the passage of time and the limitations of de-aging technology as reasons for casting a new lead actor. He also offered insights into the sequel’s broader focus:

“My brother, Randall, and I collaborated closely on this. It’s a collective effort with a lot of unique ideas—some of them are pretty out there. To tell this story the right way, you have to go back to the fall of the angels. That means exploring entirely different realms—hell, Sheol—you need to take the story to these places.”

Sheol, the underworld of the dead? Gibson has developed a reputation for being eccentric, but The Resurrection of the Christ is expected to maintain the reverent tone and depth of the original. While unconventional, the director remains committed to producing what will undoubtedly be another divisive work:

“The key is to avoid anything too clich\u00e9d or predictable. I’ve been thinking for years about how to convey emotions and ideas in a way that resonates with audiences through the narrative and visuals.

“This won’t be an easy task. It will require meticulous planning, and honestly, I’m not entirely sure I can pull it off. It’s a very ambitious project. But sometimes you just have to step up and take a swing, right?”

Can The Passion of the Christ Even Have a Sequel?

In terms of follow-ups, creating a sequel to The Passion of the Christ is akin to attempting a continuation of Se7en or Casablanca. These standalone masterpieces seemed untouchable until someone floated the idea of a sequel—though most, like the proposed Titanic sequel, were laughable attempts.

The Resurrection of the Christ will inevitably focus on Jesus’ resurrection, but how much can really be added to that narrative? Gibson’s challenge lies in finding a compelling tone and angle that can connect with audiences. The original film’s brutal, Tarantino-esque violence shocked many viewers, yet they embraced it, propelling the movie to become the highest-grossing independent film of all time.

Now, Gibson faces the formidable task of bringing a resurrection story to life in a way that captivates modern audiences. If his track record with The Passion of the Christ is any indication, he may yet defy the odds once again.

Source: MovieWeb