Deadpool & Wolverine is officially the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time worldwide. After just about a week and a half in theaters, the Marvel blockbuster smashed past the North American R-rated box-office record held by The Passion of the Christ. Released in 2004, The Passion of the Christ held the US record for R-rated films for a solid 20 years—until Deadpool & Wolverine stepped in. Now, a few months after being knocked off its pedestal by the MCU hit, the biblical drama might be up to make a comeback and reclaim its title.

The Passion of the Christ finally got a major sequel update nearly two decades after its release.

Mel Gibson recently spilled some exciting details about the long-awaited sequel to his 2004 hit, The Passion of the Christ. Appearing on Joe Rogan’s podcast, Gibson revealed that he is aiming to begin filming the sequel in 2026. He also unveiled the film’s official title, The Resurrection of the Christ. “I’m hoping [to start filming] next year sometime,” he said. But Gibson clarified that this will not be an easy project to tackle. He described the script as an “acid trip” and called the movie a highly “ambitious” endeavor.

According to Gibson, the story dives into heavy topics like “the fall of the angels” and “hell.” He has been brainstorming and refining ideas for the sequel for years, but even with all that preparation, he still doubts how to pull it off. However, Gibson seemed determined to give it his all. If the project comes together, it could spark a major cultural conversation. Last year, even Ryan Reynolds weighed in on this clash.

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As always, Reynolds commented on the situation with his classic wit, while also referencing a risky joke from Deadpool 2.

The Resurrection of the Christ has been in development for years, but it was not until Deadpool & Wolverine took its place at the top of the box office charts that the sequel seemed to gain some steam. In a recent interview with Collider, Ryan Reynolds was asked if he ever thought he would beat Jesus at the box office. As expected, Reynolds joked, “Wow, well thank you for putting us in a no-win cultural situation".

Reynolds also brought up the now-famous Passion of the Christ joke from Deadpool 2. In the movie, Deadpool jokes, "I'm in the same sentence as Jesus," while comparing box office numbers. He goes on to joke that in terms of R-rated films, it is "Passion of the Christ, then me." Even co-writer Rhett Reese admitted the joke was risky and could have upset some religious fans. But now the tables have turned, and the ball is in The Passion of the Christ’s court to see if it can regain its top spot at the box office with the sequel. 

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What do you think about The Passion of the Christ’s sequel update? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!