‘The Passion of the Christ’ Sequel Takes Shape as Mel Gibson Scouts Malta
- Michael Foust Crosswalk Headlines Contributor
- Updated Sep 19, 2024
According to a new report, Mel Gibson is scouting locations in Malta for the sequel to the 2004 blockbuster The Passion of the Christ and could begin production as early as 2025. That sequel, The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection, has long been anticipated by fans and is expected to explore the events leading up to and following the resurrection.
The Italian news site Italpress reported last week that Gibson was in Malta “on a five-day visit for discussions with the Maltese authorities in connection with a potential film project.”
“It is understood that Gibson is scouting for locations to film the sequel to 2004’s The Passion of the Christ, which he co-wrote, produced, and directed,” Italpress reported.
Gibson and a production team met with Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela, Italpress said.
“The Australian actor is among an 11-member team scouting Malta following an invitation by the Malta Film Commission,” the report said.
The Passion of the Christ is the top-grossing Christian-themed movie of all time and ranked No. 1 at the box office for four weekends in 2004. It grossed $370 million domestically and told the story of Jesus’ final hours before His crucifixion.
The sequel will apparently be split into two parts, according to data at IMDB.com, which is updated by the filmmakers and publicists. That website lists The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection and The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection: Chapter II.
Pre-production, according to IMDB, will begin in April.
Jim Caviezel, who portrayed Christ in the 2004 movie, is expected to return for the same role.
“It might be two films, maybe three, but I think it’s two,” Caviezel previously said.
Meanwhile, Caviezel said the movie will be emotionally powerful.
“Mel [Gibson] took me through all of the scenes and I was on the floor crying. …It’ll be one of the best things you’ve ever seen.”
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/John Phillips/Stringer
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
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