Mel Gibson to Direct Sequel to Controversial ‘The Passion of the Christ’

Mel Gibson, actor, producer and film director, intends to make the next installment of the controversial film ‘The Passion of the Christ’ based on a screenplay by Randall Wallace. Randall Wallace, who wrote the screenplay for ‘Braveheart’ directed by Mel Gibson, announced this news while stating that he is currently working on the screenplay for the next installment of The Passion of the Christ.

Mr. Wallace said in an interview with Hollywood Reporter that “I always wanted to tell this story. The Passion is just the beginning of the story, this tale is long.”

This screenwriter in the previous film narrated a poignant storyline and harsh details of the last 12 hours of Christ’s life.

The Passion of the Christ, which premiered twelve years ago, became the highest-grossing independent film in cinema history with sales equivalent to 612 million dollars worldwide.

However, Mel Gibson faced criticism from Jewish organizations and circles who believed the film contained anti-Semitic themes.

Two years later, in 2006, Mel Gibson himself was accused of anti-Semitism. He was arrested for driving under the influence, and it is said that he directed anti-Semitic slurs at a police officer during his arrest.

Randall Wallace wrote the screenplay for ‘Braveheart’ for Mel Gibson’s first directorial attempt in 1995. The film won 5 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

Wallace and Gibson collaborated with each other in 2016 in making the film ‘Hacksaw Ridge’.

Mr. Wallace said that the two discussed the next installment of The Passion of the Christ during the making of the new film.

Mel Gibson returned to directing with ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ after 10 years. Mr. Gibson’s last directorial film was Apocalypto, released in 2006.

In this film, which is scheduled to be released in November, Andrew Garfield plays Dr. Desmond Doss, a military physician in World War II.

Source: BBC