It seems like things are finally moving forward when it comes to Mel Gibson’s “Passion of the Christ: Resurrection.” The film has had quite a few delays, mostly due to script changes, but it’s now practically ready to shoot. A very early 2025 production star is being eyed on the film, most likely right after Gibson is done doing press for “Flight Risk” in January.
Yesterday, Mel Gibson was seen location scouting in Malta. Gibson is in the country on a five-day visit for discussions with the Maltese authorities, including Prime Minister Robert Abela.
One key factor that kept delaying ‘Resurrection’ was the question of which screenplay would be used for the film. Since 2016, Gibson has been hard at work on the script with “Braveheart” screenwriter Randall Wallace — there have already been at least six drafts written. Last year, I had been told that there were two particular drafts — both very different from each other — that were being taken into consideration.
This past April, Wallace confirmed that the screenplay was finally completed, and that Jim Caviezel was going to obviously come back to star as Jesus.
Gibson has hinted that the sequel, potentially split into two films, would be more philosophical and poetic than the more linear and straightforward original. In fact, he described it as an “acid trip” with Jesus going “into other realms.” That’s why the plot of this sequel is being dubbed by many as the story of “Jesus’ decent into hell.”
‘Resurrection’ would focus on the twenty-four hours encompassing Jesus’ passion and the events that occurred three days between his crucifixion and resurrection.
Although “Passion of the Christ” divided critics, practically twenty years ago to this day, it was an eye-opening account of the last days of Jesus. The film was gripping, and as terrifying as any horror movie can be. Gibson as a director has never been known to shy away from gruesome violence in his movies: “The Passion of the Christ” “Braveheart” and, his best work, “Apocalypto,” are three of the most violent movies I’ve ever seen.