If you love “The Passion of the Christ,” then you’re probably one of many who are wondering: Is there going to be a Passion of the Christ sequel?
Screenwriter Randall Wallace first revealed that he was working on a Passion of the Christ sequel with director and producer Mel Gibson back in 2016, people have been anxiously awaiting the film’s release.
Now, almost six years later, people are still waiting. So, what’s going on with the film and when can we expect it?
WATCH "THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST" FOR A LIMITED TIME ON PURE FLIX
The original “Passion” broke box office records back in 2004 for its raw depiction of the last 12 hours of Jesus’ life, His journey to the cross and His crucifixion. The movie ended with the door of the tomb rolling away and Jesus (played by Jim Caviezel) standing up to exit the tomb, His burial garments left behind. The final image is of Jesus’ hand and a distinctive hole where the nails pierced His skin when they nailed Him to the cross.
With the “Passion of the Christ 2,” you may expect that the story would pick up where the original left off … as many sequels do. After all, the IMDb page for the “Passion of the Christ” sequel is titled “Passion of the Christ: Resurrection.” However, if interviews with director Mel Gibson tell us anything, it’s that he’s taking a different approach. Instead of showing Jesus revealing His resurrected self to Mary Magdalene, His disciples and then ascending into heaven, it sounds like Gibson wants to focus on what happened to Jesus in the days between His death and resurrection.
“The Resurrection. Big subject…” Gibson said back in 2016, confirming that the film was still very much in the planning stages. “We’re trying to craft this in a way that’s cinematically compelling and enlightening so that it shines new light, if possible, without creating some weird thing.”
Later that same year, Gibson hinted to “Late Show” host Stephen Colbert that the film might focus on “another realm,” referring to the belief that Jesus descended into Hell after he died.
IMDb seems to have taken Gibson’s otherworldly words to heart in publishing its plot summary for the film, which reads:
A sequel to “The Passion of the Christ” focuses on the events that occurred 3 days between the crucifixion and resurrection when Jesus Christ descended to Abraham’s Bosom to preach and resurrect Old Testament saints.
The term “Abraham’s Bosom” or “Abraham’s side” is found in the story of the rich man and the beggar, Lazarus, from Luke 16:19-31:
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side.” – Luke 16:22 (NIV)
At the end of the day, it’s safe to say that very few people have a firm grasp on what “The Passion of the Christ 2” will be about. However, if the film ever makes it to the big screen, it might just blow your mind in a way you never saw coming.
READ ALSO: JESUS DIED FOR US: 10 POWERFUL BIBLE VERSES ABOUT SALVATION
Why do I say “if the film ever makes it to the big screen”? Because there is not yet a release date for the “Passion of the Christ” sequel, and apparently a lot of things need to come together before it can be made.
Back in 2016, Gibson told Colbert that the film was “about three years off because it’s a big subject.” Well, three years have come and gone, not to mention the world has suffered through a crippling pandemic.
So, has there been any movement or development on “The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection” at all since 2016? The good news is we do have some clues that “The Passion of the Christ” sequel is still being worked on.
In 2020, Jim Caviezel said in multiple interviews that he had seen drafts of the “Passion of the Christ 2” screenplay.
WANT MORE CHRISTIAN ENTERTAINMENT NEWS? SIGN UP FOR THE PURE FLIX INSIDER EMAIL NEWSLETTER!
"Fifth draft," said Caviezel in March 2020 when asked by Fox News what was going on with the film. "It's going to be a masterpiece. It's gonna be the biggest film in world history, I believe it will be based on what I feel in my heart.
Later in September 2020 Caviezel reiterated that “[the film] is coming.” “It’s called ‘The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection.’ It’s going to be the biggest film in world history,” Caviezel added.
Granted, that was two years ago, and a lot has happened since then. No one expected the pandemic to last as long as it has, and Gibson has been busy working on other projects, most recently starring in Mark Wahlberg’s faith-based “Father Stu.”
All that said, the original “Passion of the Christ” was released on Ash Wednesday in 2004 so it’s not a huge stretch of the imagination to assume Gibson will want a similar release date in the years to come if and when “The Passion of the Christ 2” is completed.
READ ALSO: EASTER – IS IT A PAGAN HOLIDAY?
Here’s the good news — it appears Jim Caviezel will be reprising his role as Jesus if and when the film gets made. As previously stated, the actor has said multiple times that he had seen screenplays and had very high hopes for the film’s success.
However, without knowing the full plot, it’s impossible to say who else besides Caviezel will return. If the film is based in Hell as Gibson has speculated, it’s safe to say a whole new cast will be required.
If, however, the film follows a more traditional plot of the empty tomb and Christ revealing Himself to His disciples and Mary Magdalene, then viewers might get to see members of the original cast again.
Just keep in mind though, as of this writing, it’s been nearly 18 years since “The Passion of the Christ” hit theaters. It’s hard to imagine getting the whole team back together after so many years have passed.
The original “The Passion of the Christ” was filmed in Italy, but if everything we know about the “The Passion of the Christ” sequel rings true, that will likely not be the case for “The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection.”
In fact, Relevant Magazine hypothesized that the movie would be filmed in front of the green screen, which would make sense if Gibson is setting the “Passion of the Christ” sequel in Hell. Using a green screen would also cut down on issues that the original had during filming, such as the notorious lightning strikes.
READ ALSO: 5 POWERFUL BIBLE VERSES ABOUT JESUS’ RESURRECTION AND EASTER
As part of our efforts to provide you with the best selection of Easter films to help deepen your understanding of this monumental moment in human history, you can stream “The Passion of the Christ” and many other films about Jesus’ death and resurrection right now on Pure Flix!
Now is the time to rewatch “The Passion of the Christ” by becoming a Pure Flix member today and spending this Easter streaming the most comprehensive collection of Easter movies – films for the whole family like “The Messiah: A Brickfilm,” “The Chosen” and “A.D. The Bible Continues.” You’ll also find varying perspectives on the crucifixion of Jesus with movies like “Risen” and “The Penitent Thief.”
Start your free trial today and enjoy and comprehensive selection of Easter movies that will guide you as you prepare for the Easter season and beyond.