Randall Wallace, a frequent collaborator with filmmaker Mel Gibson, has shared a striking spiritual warning Gibson imparted to him regarding the writing of the sequel to the immensely successful film “The Passion of the Christ.” The screenplay for “The Resurrection of the Christ,” which Gibson also co-wrote with his brother Donal, is the subject of this follow-up project.
The Genesis of a Sequel
Wallace, a seasoned screenwriter known for his work on “Braveheart,” “We Were Soldiers,” and “Hacksaw Ridge” alongside Gibson, initiated the conversation about a Resurrection-themed film. He approached Gibson, not the other way around, with the idea for “The Resurrection of the Christ.” While Gibson had long contemplated the Resurrection, it was Wallace who proposed developing it into a full-length feature. This discussion took place during a promotional tour for “Hacksaw Ridge” in 2016.
Wallace explained that he was deeply immersed in studying the Resurrection and felt compelled to bring this narrative to the screen. “The story that you really need to tell is the Resurrection,” Wallace recalled telling Gibson.
A Warning of Spiritual Warfare
Gibson’s response to Wallace’s suggestion was profound and sobering. After a significant pause, Gibson cautioned that undertaking such a project could invite spiritual challenges. “If we do this, it can’t be for the money, and it can’t be to get back at people that have hated us or wronged us or been unhappy with us,” Wallace recounted Gibson saying. Wallace readily agreed with this sentiment.
Gibson then issued a more direct spiritual warning: “Satan’s going to come after you.” Wallace, in a moment of levity that drew laughter from podcast host Raymond Arroyo, quipped about the devil’s potential interest in different denominations. However, the underlying seriousness of Gibson’s warning resonated with Wallace, prompting him to consider its validity.
“We had a beautiful conversation about grace,” Wallace added, noting that this exchange marked the beginning of their collaboration on “The Resurrection of the Christ.” Wallace proposed a collaborative writing process, offering to draft the screenplay and then work through it with Gibson.
Production and Release Details
The writing and refinement of the screenplay for “The Resurrection of the Christ” spanned approximately six to eight years, according to Gibson. The ambitious project has been divided into two parts.
In May, Gibson announced the completion of production. “The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One” is slated for release on May 6, 2027, coinciding with Ascension Day, a significant Christian observance. The second installment, “The Resurrection of the Christ: Part Two,” is scheduled to premiere on May 25, 2028, over Memorial Day weekend.
Gibson expressed his satisfaction with the final product, stating in a press release that the story was brought to life “exactly as I envisioned it.” He conveyed deep gratitude to the cast and crew for their dedication, describing the film as a “mission I’ve carried for over 20 years to tell what I believe is the most important story in human history.”
A Look Back at “The Passion of the Christ”
Released in February 2004, “The Passion of the Christ” focused on the final 12 hours of Jesus’ life, leading up to his crucifixion. The film garnered significant attention, and some controversy, for its graphic depiction of violence. Despite this, it achieved remarkable commercial success, grossing over $610 million worldwide against a reported budget of $30 million. It also earned Academy Award nominations in the categories of makeup, score, and cinematography.
Interestingly, the Resurrection scene was not part of the original cut of “The Passion of the Christ.” Gibson added a brief epilogue showing Jesus rising from the tomb and revealing his wounds after receiving feedback from audiences who expressed a desire to see this event depicted. This brief scene served as the film’s closing moments.
What to Expect from the Sequel
Wallace offered a glimpse into what audiences can anticipate from the upcoming sequel, highlighting Gibson’s distinctive vision of the spiritual realm. While aiming to maintain an element of surprise, Wallace suggested that the films will incorporate aspects never before seen on screen.
“In many ways, it’ll be stuff nobody’s ever seen,” Wallace stated. “And yet I believe it’ll be, in a certain way, the most orthodox telling. It’ll be the most consistent telling of the overall belief, the awe and the mystery that Christians experience when they experience the Resurrection.”
