Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ, which premiered in 2004, left an indelible mark on audiences, grossing over $600 million worldwide and earning three Academy Award nominations.
Now, 20 years later, Gibson is pushing forward with the highly anticipated sequel, The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection. Here’s a look at why this film is drawing attention and the controversies surrounding its development.
What We Know So Far
The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection has been in development for several years, with news of its production first surfacing in 2016. Screenwriter Randall Wallace, who collaborated with Gibson on Braveheart, confirmed that the script has been completed, promising that the sequel will explore the untold stories surrounding Jesus’ resurrection.
Jim Caviezel, who played Jesus in the original, is set to reprise his role in the sequel.
Recently, Gibson was spotted scouting locations in Malta and Southern Italy, sparking excitement that filming could start soon. The sequel aims to build on the massive success of its predecessor, but this time, the story is expected to have a more complex and non-linear narrative.
Gibson hinted in an interview that the film could delve into “other realms,” possibly including depictions of Jesus’ descent into Hell.
The Challenges Facing The Passion of the Christ 2
While the prospect of The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection excites many, the film faces several challenges, both creative and political.
The original movie was heavily criticized for its graphic violence and alleged anti-Semitic overtones, which sparked debates across religious and cultural groups. Mel Gibson himself has faced public backlash due to personal controversies, including accusations of anti-Semitism.
Given the nature of the original film and Gibson’s polarizing reputation, the sequel is bound to provoke fresh controversy.
Additionally, Jim Caviezel, who has maintained his association with religious films, recently starred in Sound of Freedom (2023), a faith-based film that was also mired in political discussions. His involvement in the sequel could further complicate its reception, especially given his recent associations with right-wing movements.
The Vision: A Non-Linear Narrative
Gibson has revealed that The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection will not follow a conventional storytelling structure. Instead, it will juxtapose the central event of Jesus’ resurrection with other realms and times, creating a more layered and, possibly, a sci-fi-infused narrative.
This bold choice could differentiate the sequel from its predecessor, expanding the film beyond the traditional biblical narrative.
The Road Ahead
As production gears up, The Passion of the Christ 2 is expected to generate a significant amount of public discourse.
Whether it will surpass the box-office success of the original remains to be seen, but with Gibson’s commitment to meticulous storytelling and Caviezel’s return, there’s no doubt the film will attract attention from both fans and critics alike.
While it is still in the early stages of development, The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection is on its way to becoming one of the most talked-about films of its release year. Given its potential to blend biblical storytelling with innovative filmmaking, it could either reignite Gibson’s reputation or deepen the controversies that have surrounded him in the past.
Potential Release Timeline
While The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection has been in development for several years, recent updates suggest that the film is gaining traction.
Mel Gibson’s scouting of filming locations in Europe, including Malta and Southern Italy, signals that the production is moving into pre-production. According to reports, filming is expected to begin in 2025.
Given the complexity of the script and the involvement of multiple filming locations, it’s likely that the release will be scheduled for late 2026 or even 2027. This timeline would allow for meticulous post-production work, especially considering the hinted “sci-fi” elements involving depictions of other realms.
The non-linear structure, coupled with Gibson’s vision to explore “the future, the past, and other realms,” may involve intricate visual effects that will require substantial time to perfect.
Expanding the Biblical Narrative: Jesus in Hell?
One of the most intriguing aspects of The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection is its potential to venture beyond the conventional resurrection story.
Gibson has alluded to the film’s exploration of Jesus’ journey into Hell, a concept derived from Catholic tradition, which speaks of Jesus descending to free the souls of the righteous.
This would add a mythical and potentially controversial dimension to the story, creating a fresh angle for audiences familiar with traditional portrayals of the resurrection.
Such an ambitious approach could either redefine how biblical stories are told in modern cinema or alienate more conservative viewers.
Regardless, it would push the boundaries of what has been previously shown on screen, elevating The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection to a unique cinematic experience that blends theology, mythology, and artistic interpretation.
Controversy on and off the Screen
As with the first film, The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection is likely to attract significant controversy. Mel Gibson’s involvement alone guarantees heightened scrutiny, given his history of public controversies and accusations of anti-Semitism.
The original The Passion of the Christ was criticized for its graphic portrayal of violence and alleged anti-Jewish sentiments, which led to protests and public debates.
A sequel would inevitably reopen these discussions, especially with some of Gibson’s recent right-wing associations.
Jim Caviezel, too, brings his own set of controversies. His involvement in the politically charged film Sound of Freedom has already sparked backlash, and his continued alignment with religious and right-wing projects could further complicate the public perception of Resurrection.
Both Gibson and Caviezel’s connections to right-wing ideologies may fuel debate over the film’s messaging and its intended audience.
Commercial Prospects: Can The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection Outdo Deadpool and Wolverine?
The original The Passion of the Christ held the record for the highest-grossing R-rated film for many years, earning over $600 million worldwide. However, with recent blockbuster hits like Deadpool &Wolverine surpassing that record, there’s speculation about whether The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection could challenge these numbers.
Given the enduring popularity of religious films and the massive fan base for The Passion of the Christ, The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection could attract large-scale audiences, particularly from Christian communities.
Many religious organizations supported the first film, with churches buying out entire theaters for group viewings. If the sequel can generate similar enthusiasm, it might perform well at the box office, even in an era dominated by superhero movies.
However, the controversies surrounding the project could limit its reach beyond its core audience.
Conclusion: Anticipation and Uncertainty
The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious and controversial films in development. With its exploration of Jesus’ resurrection and possible ventures into Hell, the film promises to offer a unique take on a well-known biblical story.
However, the controversies surrounding both Gibson and Caviezel, as well as the divisive nature of the original film, will likely shape the discourse around its release.
Whether The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection can exceed the box-office success of its predecessor or challenge recent R-rated blockbusters remains to be seen.
But what is certain is that this sequel will be a major cultural event, rekindling conversations about faith, violence in cinema, and the role of religious narratives in modern film.
Are you excited about The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection Let us know your thoughts on how this sequel might unfold.
Q&A
Q: What is The Passion of the Christ 2 about?
A: The Passion of the Christ 2, titled The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection, continues the story of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion, focusing on his resurrection.
Mel Gibson has described the film as a “non-linear narrative” that explores events from the past, present, and other realms, potentially including Jesus’ time in Hell as described in Catholic tradition.
Q: When was the sequel first announced?
A: The sequel was first announced in June 2016, with screenwriter Randall Wallace stating there was “a lot more story to tell” beyond the crucifixion. However, production progress has been slow, with updates resurfacing in 2023 indicating that the project is still in pre-production.
Q: Who is returning to star in The Passion of the Christ 2?
A: Jim Caviezel, who portrayed Jesus in the original 2004 film, is confirmed to return for the sequel. Francesco De Vito, who played Peter, is also expected to reprise his role.
Q: What progress has been made on The Passion of the Christ 2?
A: Mel Gibson and his team have been scouting filming locations in Europe, including Malta and Italy. According to reports, the script, co-written by Gibson and Randall Wallace, has undergone multiple drafts and revisions and was completed in 2023. Filming is expected to begin in 2025.
Q: Why is the film controversial?
A: The original The Passion of the Christ was criticized for its graphic violence and perceived anti-Semitic undertones. Both Mel Gibson and Jim Caviezel have faced personal and professional controversies, which might add to the potential backlash surrounding the sequel.
Q: What makes The Passion of the Christ 2 unique?
A: The film’s approach to depicting the resurrection as a “non-linear narrative” sets it apart from typical biblical films. Gibson’s vision includes exploring different realms, creating a more ambitious and potentially “sci-fi” take on the story.
Q: Will The Passion of the Christ 2 surpass the original’s success?
A: While the original film grossed over $600 million and became the highest-grossing independent film of all time, it is uncertain if The Passion of the Christ 2 will match or surpass that success. Factors such as audience reception and the controversies surrounding the creators will likely influence its box office performance.
Q: What should we expect from the sequel’s filming locations?
A: The team is considering locations in Malta, Israel, and Morocco to recreate the biblical landscape. This scouting suggests that the film will maintain its epic, historically authentic feel.
Q: When will The Passion of the Christ 2 be released?
A: The film is currently in pre-production, with filming expected to start in 2025. There has not been an official release date announced yet.
