LOS ANGELES, Ca. – Speaking to reporters outside of the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, California today, American actor and producer Mel Gibson announced he has begun filming the follow-up to his controversial 2004 film, ‘The Passion of the Christ.’
The sixty year-old filmmaker explained the film’s premise to TMZ, saying, “This is the untold story of the life of Jesus Christ following his resurrection from the dead.” Gibson said the film begins with Christ’s arrival at the gates of Heaven following his crucifixion at the hands of the Jews and chronicles the Son of God’s life up to the present.
Using historic and religious texts, Gibson said he was able to put together a ‘plausible theory’ explaining what life might be like for a middle-aged Christ living in his father’s omnipotent shadow. “Christ didn’t only sacrifice himself for the sins of Christians living here on earth but for Christians living on other worlds all throughout the universe,” Gibson explained. “Try to imagine the psychological cost of traveling to millions -no, billions, of planets, and each time, dying so that others may live. It’s very humbling.”
Gibson said he originally wanted American actor James Franco to play the role of Jesus but according to a source with knowledge of the casting process, Mr. Franco “flat-out refused” to read the script. Gibson has since cast Signs co-star Joaquin Phoenix to portray Jesus Christ.
Mel Gibson is scheduled to present an award during the 73rd annual Golden Globe Awards tonight in downtown Los Angeles. ‘The Passion of the Christ 2’ is set to appear in theaters nationwide in the summer of 2017.
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