Mel Gibson, once the darling of Hollywood, is making headlines again as he inches toward the production of The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection. After over twenty years of speculation and anticipation, Gibson has reportedly set the wheels in motion for the sequel to his 2004 blockbuster, The Passion of the Christ. This upcoming film is expected to explore the three days between Jesus’ death and resurrection, and according to Gibson, it's poised to be “cosmic” and “vastly theological.”
Gibson's return to this highly sensitive material has been met with both excitement and skepticism. Jim Caviezel, who will reprise his iconic role as Jesus, has claimed it will be “the biggest film in the history of the world,” but is this yet another case of lofty promises from Hollywood? The sequel has been largely trapped in development hell, as Gibson has been mulling over how to portray the resurrection story compellingly since at least 2016.
During various interviews over the years, including one with Hugh Hewitt on USA Today, Gibson elaborated on the monumental scope of the resurrection narrative. He acknowledged the challenge of making the three-day wait for Jesus intriguing, noting, “The Resurrection. Big subject. Oh, my God.” This remark encapsulates the enormity of the responsibility Gibson feels as he tackles the story with the kind of gravitas and depth he’s known for.
Interestingly, Caviezel also mentioned during his 2018 interview with USA Today, “We set a date to start shooting the movie,” which is certainly intriguing, but specific details remain elusive. Fast forward to 2020, and the script had reportedly gone through several drafts, with Caviezel labeling it “a masterpiece.” Still, the film's status has oscillated between greenlit and still-in-the-works, raising eyebrows about its eventual release.
More recently, whispers have emerged indicating the film will commence production later this year, with filming locations being scouted in Malta. Interestingly, the sequel may venture beyond the direct biblical narrative to explore supernatural elements, which adds another layer to its ambitious undertaking.
Meanwhile, Gibson is also stepping back from the dramatic religious epic to helm the thriller Flight Risk, stirring curiosity about his versatile directing skills. The film features Mark Wahlberg as the lead character, who is embroiled in a violent confrontation on a small plane. Set to hit theaters on January 24, this new film marks Gibson’s return to directing after his 2016 Oscar-nominated Hacksaw Ridge. Wahlberg is clearly embracing the role of the unhinged villain, reinforcing the film as Gibson's departure from his previous thematic territory.
Gibson's filmography reflects his talent for creating impactful stories, but his career has not been without controversy. His vocal support for past presidential campaigns, particularly for Donald Trump, as well as his harsh criticism of figures like Vice President Kamala Harris, add another layer to his public persona. Recently, during a walk through LAX, Gibson was quick to express his political leanings and skepticism about Harris's track record, underscoring his unfiltered approach to public discourse.
Historically, Gibson's political views have sparked considerable backlash, including racially charged comments made during his 2006 DUI arrest. With the weight of his past coupled with his outspoken nature, it seems Gibson's life off-screen is just as compelling as the films he creates.
Despite his controversies, Gibson managed to hold on to significant support within the industry. Collaborators like Andrew Garfield have highlighted his ability to grow personally and professionally, referring to him as possessing “a very, very big, compassionate heart.” This duality—the highly regarded filmmaker and his provocative public persona—paints Gibson as both complex and enigmatic.
With The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection on the horizon and Flight Risk set for release, Gibson is poised to solidify his cinematic legacy. While audiences await these films, the ambiguity surrounding their production offers Hollywood one of its most engaging narratives: the tenacity of creativity amid scandal and controversy. How will Gibson navigate the charged landscapes of religion and thriller filmmaking? Time will tell as this intriguing chapter of his career continues to develop.