Mel Gibsonhas had both a celebrated and fraught career. In the past couple of decades,the actor’s personal life has been riddled with controversies, including statements that he has made that have been perceived as anti-Semitic and racist. Even so, he has still maintained his career.
Despite all these low points, Gibson has also previously had plenty of significant career highlights. He has won Academy Awards forBest Pictureand Best Director forBraveheart, and was nominated for directing again for his work onHacksaw Ridge.
One of his most notable works wasThe Passion of the Christ. Released in 2004, this historical epic tells the story of the last 12 hours of the life of Jesus Christ. Gibson directed the feature, which starred Jim Caviezel in the role of Jesus.
Historical epics do not typically have sequels—thoughGladiator IIalready shifted that assumption last year—butGibson is now at work on a sequel toThe Passion of the Christ.The film,titledThe Resurrection of the Christ, is currently in pre-production and will likely see Caviezel return to his role.
Other cast members set to return include Francesco De Vito as Peter and Maia Morgenstern as Mary. Over two decades after the first film,The Resurrection of the Christhas a lot to live up to, but it could surpass its predecessor in one key way.
The Resurrection Of The Christ Gives Mel Gibson A Fighting Chance To Beat The Passion Of The Christ’s Box Office At Last
But Gibson’s Controversies May Hinder It
The Passion of the Christis Gibson’s highest-grossing movie of his career. Over the course of its run,the film made $622.3 million worldwide.This is the most of any film that Gibson has been attached to, whether it be in an acting or technical capacity.
Since 2004, Gibson has become much more controversial, which could hurt the potential success ofThe Resurrection of the Christ. However,with years of build-up and the high performance of the first film, the sequel could have a shot at a big box office.
As evidenced by the box office success ofthe theatrical releases of episodes of the TV seriesThe Chosen, and the surprise hit ofThe King of Kingsthis year,the right audiences still have an appetite for faith-based films.The continued success of this subgenre could also helpThe Resurrection of the Christsucceed.
The King of Kingsearned $70.8 million worldwide on a $25 million budget.
If these factors go in Gibson’s favor, the sequel could supplantThe Passion of the Christas the highest-grossing project in his career. The movie will have to work past the actor-director’s reputation in order to get there, but if it does,The Resurrection of the Christwill be able to break an over 20-year streak.
