Mel Gibson is preparing to film the long-awaited sequel to The Passion of the Christ titled The Resurrection of the Christ, with production set to begin this August at Rome’s Cinecittà Studios. Fans of the original 2004 blockbuster are eagerly anticipating the sequel, though questions remain about whether it can live up to the cultural impact and success of its predecessor.

Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ was a major success, earning $611 million worldwide and becoming one of the highest-grossing R-rated films of all time. The film’s graphic depiction of Jesus Christ’s suffering and crucifixion sparked controversy but also drew massive attention, particularly from religious communities. However, Gibson’s sequel aims to explore a different part of Jesus’ story—his resurrection—rather than focusing on his death.

In a recent interview, Gibson described the sequel as an “acid trip,” suggesting that the movie would not only delve into the resurrection itself but also explore spiritual realms and the battle between good and evil. “There’s bigger things at play here,” Gibson explained. “We need to go to hell. We need to go to Sheol.”

Gibson also confirmed that Jim Caviezel would reprise his role as Jesus Christ, though the actor will need to undergo de-aging and CGI techniques due to the time that has passed since the original film. The dialogue for The Resurrection of the Christ is expected to be in English, unlike the first film, which was entirely in Aramaic, Hebrew, and Latin with subtitles.

The film’s plot will focus on the three days after Jesus’ crucifixion, exploring the spiritual and metaphysical implications of his resurrection. Gibson’s ambition for the project is clear, and he has worked on the screenplay with his brother Donal Gibson and screenwriter Randall Wallace for over seven years.

Despite the immense success of the first film, many are wondering if The Resurrection of the Christ can live up to the original’s legacy. Some critics are wary of a sequel to such a culturally significant movie, pointing out that following a film that was widely regarded as a masterpiece is a daunting task. As public interest grows, many are left wondering whether Gibson can once again create a film that resonates deeply with audiences, or if the sequel will struggle to meet expectations.