Mel Gibson Announces Lionsgate Partnership for Follow-Up to 'The Passion of the Christ'

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11:45 AM on Thursday, May 15

By Michael Foust, Movies

Mel Gibson has revealed the studio partner for his long-awaited follow-up film to The Passion of the Christ -- and it's a familiar name. Gibson and filmmaking partner Bruce Davey announced Thursday that Lionsgate -- the same company that released his films Hacksaw Ridge and Flight Risk -- will be the studio partner for the upcoming theatrical film The Resurrection of the Christ. No release date has been set.

"For many, many people across the globe, The Resurrection of the Christ is the most anticipated theatrical event in a generation. It is also an awe-inspiring and spectacularly epic theatrical film that is going to leave moviegoers worldwide breathless," said Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. "Mel is one of the greatest directors of our time, and this project is both deeply personal to him and the perfect showcase for his talents as a filmmaker. My relationship with Mel and Bruce dates back 30 years, and I am thrilled to be partnering with them once again on this landmark event for audiences."

Gibson's 2016 movie Hacksaw Ridge told the faith-focused story of Desmond Doss, a World War II medic who saved dozens of lives without carrying a weapon. It won two Oscars. Flight Risk, released this year, marked Gibson's return to the director's chair with a suspenseful thriller set aboard a small plane in Alaska.

"Lionsgate's brave, innovative spirit and nimble, can-do attitude have inspired me for a long time, and I couldn't think of a more perfect distributor for The Resurrection of the Christ," Gibson said. "I've enjoyed working with Adam and the team several times over recent years. I know the clever ingenuity, passion, and ambition the entire team commits to their projects and I'm confident they will bring everything they can to the release of this movie."

Until last year, 2004's The Passion of the Christ was the highest-grossing R-rated movie in film history, taking in $83 million opening weekend before ending its run with $370 million domestically. It followed the final hours of Jesus' life, ending with the resurrection. The Resurrection of the Christ is expected to focus on the time between the crucifixion and the resurrection, as well as the days afterward.

"I regard the Gospels as history," Gibson told podcaster Joe Rogan earlier this year. "It's verifiable history. Some people say, 'Well, it's a fairy tale. He never existed' -- but He did. And there are other accounts, verifiable historical accounts, outside the biblical ones, that also bear this up, that yes, He did exist. And the other aspect of that is that all the evangelists, the apostles, who went out there, every single one of those guys died rather than deny their belief, and nobody dies for a lie. Nobody. So that's part of what I'm doing -- is showing nobody dies for a lie."

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/John Phillips/Stringer

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.

Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.

More about Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson is a renowned actor and director whose faith has profoundly shaped his work, most notably in The Passion of the Christ, a film that captivated Christ-followers with its raw portrayal of Jesus' sacrifice. His new project, The Resurrection of the Christ, is presently in development with Lionsgate and is generating excitement throughout the Christian community. Gibson has affirmed his conviction that the gospels are historical truths, making this sequel not only cinematic but deeply rooted in his devotion to the Bible. Through both his earlier and upcoming faith-based films, Gibson continues his mission to bring powerful, gospel-centered stories to a global audience.