Mel Gibson selects Lionsgate as studio partner for ‘The Resurrection of the Christ'
The actor and director, 67, has been planning the follow-up to his 2004 movie 'The Passion of the Christ' for years and has now decided his Icon Productions banner will collaborate with Lionsgate on the sequel, continuing a long-standing relationship between him and the studio.
'The Passion of the Christ' held the title of the highest-grossing R-rated film domestically until last year, opening to $83 million and earning $370 million in North America and over $610 million worldwide from a $30 million budget.
The deal follows Mel's recent work with Lionsgate, including the Oscar-nominated 'Hacksaw Ridge' and the thriller 'Flight Risk,' starring Mark Wahlberg.
Lionsgate also handles distribution of the Icon library, which includes 'The Passion of the Christ.'
Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, described the upcoming film as 'the most anticipated theatrical event in a generation.'
He was quoted by Variety saying: 'It is also an awe-inspiring and spectacularly epic theatrical film that is going to leave moviegoers worldwide breathless.
'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.'
Mel added: '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.'
'I've enjoyed working with Adam and the team several times over recent years.
'I know the clever ingenuity, passion, and ambition the entire team commits to their projects and I'm confident they will bring everything they can to the release of this movie.'
The deal was overseen by Lionsgate executives Lauren Bixby, John Biondo, and Grace Clements, with Bruce Davey and Vicki Christianson representing Icon, Jim Osborne of IAG, and attorney Joel VanderKloot handling legal matters for the filmmakers.
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