Mel Gibson Meets Italian Culture Minister While Prepping to Shoot ‘The Resurrection of the Christ’

Mel Gibson is in Italy getting ready to film his sequel to “The Passion of the Christ.” Like the original, this sequel will feature the ancient southern Italian town of Matera, where he has been welcomed by the country’s Culture Minister, Alessandro Giuli.

As announced earlier, Gibson’s “The Resurrection of the Christ,” produced by Gibson, Bruce Davey, and their Icon Productions with Lionsgate as the studio partner, is scheduled to begin production in August at Italy’s Cinecittà studios, which will be the main location for Gibson’s follow-up to his 2004 biblical hit.

Gibson has also been seen exploring other ancient rural locations in Southern Italy, including Ginosa, known for its rock-carved churches, Gravina Laterza, and Altamura.

Jim Caviezel is anticipated to reprise his role as Jesus in “The Resurrection,” while Maia Morgenstern, who played Jesus’ mother in “The Passion,” and Francesco De Vito, who portrayed Peter, are also expected to return, according to IMDB.