Passion of the Christ II -- Sort Of
Filed under: Drama, Deals, Sony, Family Films, Movie Marketing, Remakes and Sequels
I was seriously wondering when this would happen. Weren't you? Sony Pictures' Screen Gems division is working on a film that continues the story of Jesus following the events in Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ. Wait, didn't Jesus die at the end of that? Yes, but according to The Bible he returned a few days after dying on the cross, and it is this resurrection that will be the focus of Sony's film, tentatively called The Resurrection. The script is written by TV-movie scribe Lionel Chetwynd and is being produced by Reverend Tim LaHaye, co-author of the Left Behind books.
From what it looks like, Sony is going for the gold in no-brainer, easy-money film production. With little more than a release date picked out (Easter, of course) and a guarantee that Christian audiences who stormed theaters for The Passion will be back for Jesus' return, the studio is likely already counting its profits. Since this isn't a real sequel (the first was released by Newmarket Films), it is doubtful that James Caviezel will be back (and after being struck by lightning during production of the first, he should want to stay away). I also will not be surprised if Resurrection is filmed in English instead of the ancient languages spoken in Passion.
Well, I can say one thing for the film, which should go all the way and use the title The Resurrection of the Christ, and that is it should bring about less controversy. With less finger-pointing and much, much, much less violence, it should be important and enjoyable for its audience. I'll just be glad to not have that lump in the back of my dry throat I experienced while watching Passion.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-08-2006 @ 8:32PM
RC of strangeculture said...
I found your comments interesting, especially that you say that this film would be LESS controversial...
I think the controversy would simply be different...maybe not the violence controversy, but come on, you know people will be talking up a lot of different things.
--RC of strangeculture.blogspot.com
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6-08-2006 @ 10:08PM
Rob X. said...
He can be all "I'll be back" and fly away at the end like Neo.
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6-08-2006 @ 11:45PM
scott said...
@ Rob X: HAHAHHAAAA!!! ROFL!!!
anyways... yeah, its interesting to say that there will be less controversy... for instance the LDS (mormon church, my religion) believe Jesus visited the America's in his little jaunt of resurrection... for another thing, there is far less text describing Jesus' work after his rising from his tomb, i have a feeling that sony will try to put some odd things in the cracks...
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6-09-2006 @ 12:19AM
CHuchurocket said...
I find your comments rather disgusting James Caviezel is a God serving man. He would most likely do this movie, provided the script was true to the Bible. As far as your little blog goes, you have very little tact. You sound arrogant, and bitter. You are a very rude person. this isn't a "No Brainer," issue, hopefully this movie is being produced to serve under God, not money. Granted its okay to make money in the process, but hopefully that isnt the main focus. Looking at the writer, I'd assume this is more about the message.
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6-09-2006 @ 1:01AM
jj said...
Sony doesnt need to get involed in religion..religion is a myth!
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6-09-2006 @ 9:58AM
Elliott said...
Christmas is the time of year when the ghost of Jesus rises from the grave to feast on the flesh of the living and we sing Christmas carols to lull him back to sleep.
As you know, we of the Christian faith believe that Jesus is not really dead, but he must let the world think that he is dead, until he can find a way to control the raging spirit that dwells within him.
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6-09-2006 @ 12:12PM
tim said...
I don't see a need for this film. There are tons of Biblical stories just waiting to be made. The OT reads like a fantasy novel (don't beat me up, it's a great read) and the NT has several movies in there waiting to be cracked open. Passion showed Christ leave the tomb at the end, and seeing Thomas stick his hand in Jesus' side to swelling music isn't going to bring that point home any more.
I'll also admit to laughing at RobX's Jesus as a Neo figure reference. That's what Hollywood is all about.
My other concern is that this will not be treated with the respect that Passion was while being made. With a made-for-tv writer and LaHaye producing, this is all set to look as crappy as the Left Behind movies. Despite all controversy, Passion was made well. I can't see how this will be. I hope i'm wrong.
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7-26-2006 @ 8:03AM
mobility said...
I hope this won't be such violent as part I because I couldn't watch that movie. How are the actors in this movie ? Maya Morgenstein will act in this part ?
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