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Award-winning director and producers Mel Gibson and Bruce Davey have partnered with Lionsgate as they prepare to release the follow-up to their film The Passion of Christ.
Their Icon Productions banner has chosen Lionsgate as their studio partner on The Resurrection of the Christ.
"For many, many people across the globe, The Resurrection of the Christ is the most anticipated theatrical event in a generation. It is also an awe-inspiring and spectacularly epic theatrical film that is going to leave moviegoers worldwide breathless," said Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. "Mel is one of the greatest directors of our time, and this project is both deeply personal to him and the perfect showcase for his talents as a filmmaker. My relationship with Mel and Bruce dates back 30 years, and I am thrilled to be partnering with them once again on this landmark event for audiences."
The deal continues Gibson’s long association with Lionsgate, where he made his two most recent films: Hacksaw Ridge and the thriller Flight Risk.
"Lionsgate’s brave, innovative spirit and nimble, can-do attitude have inspired me for a long time, and I couldn't think of a more perfect distributor for The Resurrection of the Christ," added Gibson. "I’ve enjoyed working with Adam and the team several times over recent years. I know the clever ingenuity, passion, and ambition that the entire team commits to their projects, and I’m confident they will bring everything they can to the release of this movie."
The Passion of the Christ debuted to an opening weekend of $83 million. In the end, which until last year was the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time domestically, ended up taking in $370 million in North American theatres and more than $610 million globally off a $30 million production budget.