Everything gets a sequel. EvenPassion of the Christ. The blockbuster religious biopic from directorMel Gibsonis getting a follow-up fromBraveheartscreenwriterRandall Wallace. And it sounds like this next installment of the ‘franchise’ will pick up right where the last movie left off. With the resurrection of Jesus.Mel Gibsonwill return to directPassion of the Christ 2.
Randall Wallacebroke this news toTHR. The writer got an Academy Award nomination for hisBraveheartscript, which wonMel Gibsona Best Picture Oscar back in 1995.Wallacewas reluctant to confirm that hisPassionsequel, which may be titledResurrection of the Christ, was in fact moving forward. He has only recently begun penning this resurrection tale, and claims that keeping the movie under wraps any longer has become next to impossible.
Wallacemost recently co-wrote and directed the hit 2014 faith based dramaHeaven is for Real. He says thatMel Gibsonbecame quite serious about aChristsequel while the duo were working onGibson’s next directorial effortHacksaw Ridge, whichWallacealso wrote. As it stands, the firstPassion of the Christis the most successful independent movie of all time.Wallacewas actually a religion major at Duke University, and explains that the resurrection of Jesus is one of his fields of expertise.
“I always wanted to tell this story. The Passion is the beginning and there’s a lot more story to tell.”
Mel Gibson’s reps are declining any comment aboutPassion of the Christ 2at this time. The first movie followed the persecution and crucifixion ofJesusand was notorious for its violent scenes against the son of god, which depicted the reality of what he went through while being nailed to the cross. Released in 2004 by Newmarket Films, the movie was an instant smash hit, taking in $612 million worldwide on just a $30 million budget. Many theorized over the years that a sequel would eventually get made, but in the decade since,Gibsonhas focused on other projects.
Mel Gibsonarrived at Liberty University’s graduation ceremony for an advance screening ofHacksaw Ridgelast month, where he was asked about a follow-up toPassion. He expressed interest in the project, but would not commit to his involvement.Wallacenotes that Christian community demand for another movie is what spurredGibson’s willingness to move forward on another Jesus themed movie. Says the screenwriter.
“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. It’s too early to talk money. This is such a huge and sacred subject.”
At this time,Passion of the Christ 2does not have a studio backing it, nor does it have any financial backers. The script is still in the very early stages. But there is interest brewing amongst outside parties. Sony released a Jesusresurrectionmovie this past February titledRisen, which went onto make $46 million worldwide off a $20 million budget.Mel GibsonandRandall Wallacewere not involved.
