Mel Gibson has had both a celebrated and fraught career. In the past couple of decades, the actor’s personal life has been riddled with controversies, including statements that he has made that have been perceived as anti-Semitic and racist. Even so, he has still maintained his career.

Despite all these low points, Gibson has also previously had plenty of significant career highlights. He has won Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director for Braveheart, and was nominated for directing again for his work on Hacksaw Ridge.

One of his most notable works was The Pᴀssion of the Christ. Released in 2004, this historical epic tells the story of the last 12 hours of the life of Jesus Christ. Gibson directed the feature, which starred Jim Caviezel in the role of Jesus.

Historical epics do not typically have sequels (though Gladiator II already shifted that ᴀssumption last year), but Gibson is now at work on a sequel to The Pᴀssion of the Christ. The film, тιтled The Resurrection of the Christ, is currently in pre-production and will likely see Caviezel return to his role.

Other cast members set to return include Francesco De Vito as Peter and Maia Morgenstern as Mary. Over two decades after the first film, The Resurrection of the Christ has a lot to live up to, but it could surpᴀss its predecessor in one key way.

The Resurrection Of Christ Gives Mel Gibson A Fighting Chance To Beat The Pᴀssion Of Christ’s Box Office At Last

But Gibson’s Controversies May Hinder It

The Pᴀssion of the Christ is Gibson’s highest-grossing movie of his career. Over the course of its run, the film made $622.3 million worldwide. This is the most of any film that Gibson has been attached to, whether it be in an acting or technical capacity.

Since 2004, Gibson has become much more controversial, which could hurt the potential success of The Resurrection of the Christ. However, with years of build-up and the high performance of the first film, the sequel could have a sH๏τ at the box office.

As evidenced by the box office success of the theatrical releases of episodes of the TV series The Chosen and the surprise hit with The King of Kings this year, the right audiences still have an appeтιтe for faith-based films. The continued success of this subgenre could also help The Resurrection of the Christ succeed.

If these factors go in Gibson’s favor, the sequel could supplant The Pᴀssion of the Christ as the highest-grossing project in Gibson’s career. The movie will have to work past the actor-director’s reputation in order to get there, but if it does, The Resurrection of the Christ will be able to break an over 20-year streak.