Mel Gibson begins filming "Resurrection"

Mel Gibson. Photo: credo

Director, producer, and actor Mel Gibson officially begins filming "The Resurrection of the Christ" – the sequel to "The Passion of the Christ," released in 2004. This was reported on August 1 by the CEO of the Cinecittà film studio in Rome, Manuela Cacciamani, in an interview with the newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore. The information was soon confirmed by reputable sources, including Deadline, Variety, The Jerusalem Post, and Catholic News Agency, reports the Credo website.

According to Cacciamani, the main part of the filming will take place at the famous Roman film studio Cinecittà, once renowned for creating the largest biblical and historical films of the 20th century. The film crew will also head to southern Italy – to the cities of Matera, Ginosa, Gravina-Laterza, and Altamura, already familiar to viewers from the picturesque scenes of "The Passion of the Christ."

Thus, "The Resurrection" promises to be not only a visual but also a spiritual return to the roots of the Gospel narrative, as noted by the film studio.

The new film will retain the key cast. Jim Caviezel will once again play the role of Jesus Christ, Maia Morgenstern – the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Francesco De Vito will return to the role of the Apostle Peter.

Considering the two decades that have passed, Gibson plans to use modern computer graphics technology to rejuvenate the actors, which should ensure visual continuity with the 2004 film.

According to the director himself, "The Resurrection" will not be so much a chronological sequel of the events of "The Passion" as a deep reflection on their metaphysical and theological meaning.

The film will touch on themes of Christ's descent into hell, the spiritual battle with the forces of darkness, the fall of angels, and the hidden, invisible side of the Paschal Mystery. "It is not just a narrative, but an attempt to convey through the language of cinema the mysterious reality of the spiritual world revealed to us in Holy Scripture and Church Tradition," media reports quote Mel.

The script was created over seven years in close collaboration with Randall Wallace, the author of "Braveheart," and the director's brother Chris Gibson.

The project is being implemented in collaboration with Icon Productions and Lionsgate, which will also handle international distribution. The support of such companies indicates serious expectations and trust in the director's vision.

Many years ago, Gibson stated that "The Resurrection" would be "the most important film of his life."

As reported by the UOJ, in June Mel Gibson visited the Athos monastery Hilandar.

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