Mel Gibson is no stranger to controversy, and his upcoming sequel to The Passion of the Christ is already making the news again. More than two decades after the first film shocked audiences with its intense depiction of Jesus’s final hours, Gibson is taking on another project. He described this sequel as a mind-bending spiritual journey.
Reports suggest that The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection is inspired by what he calls an “acid trip.” This shocking revelation has left many wondering what exactly he means and how it will translate onto the screen. “He’s going all in on this,” said film expert Jim Cavallo. “It’s not just a retelling—it’s an experience.”
Controversy might drive people to see ‘The Passion of Christ’ sequel – here’s why
Gibson has shared that the film will shed light on other spiritual themes and move beyond the crucifixion into the resurrection in a way people have never seen before. Jim Caviezel will reprise his role as Jesus, and Maia Morgenstern and Francesco De Vito are also expected to return. Even with these familiar faces and the biblical context, people still worry about how the audience will receive it.
Beyond the film itself, Gibson remains a controversial figure. His past remarks and legal troubles have kept him in the headlines. However, PR expert Steve Honig pointed out that controversy could actually work in Gibson’s favor. “Moviegoers will be curious about the film, and that may be enough to get them to see it,” he said. “At the end of the day, it may be controversy over the film that drives people into the theater.”
The original ‘Passion of Christ’ faced massive criticism
While some are excited about Gibson’s vision for the sequel, others are not fully in support. The original Passion of the Christ was a massive success, grossing over $600 million worldwide, but it also faced criticism for its violence. Now, with talk of surreal imagery and dreamlike storytelling, some wonder if this sequel will trigger the audience the same way the last one did.
“He’s trying something different, and that’s always risky,” said a Hollywood insider. “But Mel Gibson has always taken risks.” Filming will take place in Italy, with locations including Rome’s Cinecittà Studios, the ancient city of Matera, and rural towns like Altamura and Ginosa. Much like the original film, the setting is expected to play a role in bringing biblical history to life.