In 2016, Mel Gibson announced that he would be producing a sequel to his Passion blockbuster, appropriately titled The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection.
The news created quite the buzz in the Christian community after the wildly successful Passion of the Christ made such a lasting Kingdom impact on the secular realm.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_kAQYJuX2A
The 2004 film produced, directed, and co-written by Gibson was “a major milestone in faith-based filmmaking,” earning over $611 million globally on a budget of just $30 million.
Now, Jim Caviezel has spoken about the much-anticipated sequel in which he will again take on the role of Jesus. The actor is limited in what he’s allowed to share of Gibson’s plans; but what his statements lack in specificity, they make up for in boldness.
“I won’t tell you how he’s going to go about it,” says Jim Caviezel. “But I’ll tell you this much, the film he’s going to do is going to be the biggest film in history. It’s that good.”
“There are things that I cannot say that will shock the audience,” he added. “It’s great. Stay tuned.”
Considering its predecessor was the highest-grossing R-rated movie ever released in North America ($370.8 million), it seems Caviezel’s forecast may carry some weight.
The 49-year-old is thrilled at the idea of working closely with Gibson again and grateful for the opportunity to shine the light of Christ to the world on the big-screen. Though he admits playing the role of Jesus is the most difficult thing he’s ever done, Caviezel says the idea of producing the sequel has renewed his sense of purpose.
“If The Passion of the Christ inspired so many people to do good, why don’t we try again?” said Caviezel. “I feel like there is a purpose in my life again.”
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Outside of a few general statements, Gibson has remained relatively tight-lipped about his upcoming film.
“The Resurrection. Big subject. Oh, my God,” he told USA Today in 2016. “We’re trying to craft this in a way that’s cinematically compelling and enlightening so that it shines new light, if possible, without creating some weird thing.”
Caviezel says Gibson has “cracked” that story and is confident that it will unfold, in due time, as the greatest movie in history–though he declines to share the tentative shooting window.