Mel Gibson warned screenwriter about spiritual challenges before filming new movie

Screenwriter Randall Wallace revealed that Mel Gibson cautioned him about potential spiritual difficulties before they embarked on writing the script for the sequel to 'The Passion of the Christ.' Wallace, a long-time collaborator with Gibson, shared this warning from the two-time Oscar winner prior to commencing work on 'Resurrection of Christ.'

Wallace, who had previously collaborated with Gibson on films like 'Braveheart' (1995), 'We Were Soldiers' (2002), and 'Hacksaw Ridge' (2016), co-wrote the screenplay for 'Resurrection of Christ' with Mel and his brother Donal Gibson. Speaking on the 'Arroyo Grande' podcast, Wallace explained that he was the one who convinced Gibson to pursue the resurrection story following the immense success of 'The Passion of the Christ.'

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If we're going to do this, it can't be for money. And it can't be a way to get back at the people who hated us, who wronged us, or were unhappy with us. You know, Satan will come after you

Wallace recalled that Gibson's initial reaction to the idea involved a significant pause, after which he expressed a profound sentiment: 'If we're going to do this, it can't be for money. And it can't be a way to get back at the people who hated us, who wronged us, or were unhappy with us.' Gibson then added a stark warning: 'You know, Satan will come after you.'

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Exactly as I envisioned it. I am immensely grateful to the exceptionally talented cast and crew who poured their hearts into this project. Together, we have created something truly powerful.

In a press statement, Gibson described the film as being realized exactly as he envisioned it. He expressed immense gratitude to the talented cast and crew for their heartfelt contributions, stating, 'Together, we have created something truly powerful.' Gibson emphasized the film's importance in his career, calling it a significant part of his life's work and a mission he has carried for over 20 years to tell what he believes is the most important story in human history.

'The Passion of the Christ,' released in February 2004, depicted the final 12 hours of Jesus Christ's life leading up to his crucifixion. The film was highly controversial due to its explicit violence and subject matter, yet it achieved substantial commercial success, grossing over $610 million worldwide against a budget of approximately $30 million. It also received three Oscar nominations for Best Makeup, Original Score, and Cinematography.

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This film represents a large part of my life's work and demanded everything I have as a filmmaker and artist. For me, this is much more than a film. It is a mission I have carried for over 20 years – to tell what I believe to be the most important story in human history.