Just as the Gospels did not end with the crucifixion and death of Jesus, nor will Mel Gibson's cinematic adaption of the New Testament story, with the announcement Thursday of a sequel to the actor/director's 2004 blockbuster, "The Passion of the Christ."
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the script is already under construction, with Academy Award-winner Randall Wallace heading up the writing process. Wallace previously worked with Gibson on the William Wallace biopic "Braveheart," which won Best Picture in 1995.
"I always wanted to tell this story," Wallace told The Hollywood Reporter. "'The Passion' is the beginning and there's a lot more story to tell."
It remains to be seen whether Jim Caviezel will return as the titular figure of Christ. But no matter the cast, the film should garner plenty of attention from the evangelical community, and Wallace agrees.
"The evangelical community considers "The Passion of the Christ" the biggest movie ever out of Hollywood, and they kept telling us that they think a sequel will be even bigger," Wallace said, who recently co-wrote directed 2014's "Heaven Is For Real."
Very few details have been revealed about the project, other than it will be set after the events of "The Passion of the Christ." Studios should jump at the chance to finance the film, its predecessor setting several grossing records. Currently "The Passion of the Christ" stands as the highest grossing R-rated movie ever made, as well as the top earner among independent films.
Personally, I don't see the need for this particular sequel. The original ended on a very uplifting note, affirming Jesus's victory over death. But there is definitely a demand for the film, and if film-makers know they can make good money on something, there's a good chance they'll make it.