Wide-eyed Mel Gibson puts on an animated display at AS Roma football match in Rome ahead of filming his Passion sequel

As a lifestyle observer, I always notice when a major star really *makes* an appearance, and Mel Gibson definitely did just that in Rome this weekend. He’s instantly recognizable, of course, and all eyes were on him!

Mel Gibson, the famous actor known for Mad Max, attended the AS Roma and Hellas Verona soccer game at the Olympic Stadium on Sunday. Photos captured him making a variety of lively faces during the match.

The actor stared at the camera, his mouth open and eyes wide, and reached out with a dramatic hand gesture.

He showed a range of emotions, going from looking serious while holding his phone and cap to beaming and giving a thumbs-up to other fans.

Gibson dressed casually but stylishly for the event, wearing a neat white button-down shirt with the collar slightly undone.

He completed his look with sunglasses tucked into his shirt, a leather bracelet, and a delicate chain necklace.

His silver beard was neatly groomed, completing his rugged appearance.

The famous actor was spotted chatting with fans who were sporting AS Roma scarves, enjoying the excitement before the game began.

Mel Gibson is getting ready to film the sequel to his 2004 film, *The Passion of the Christ*, titled *The Resurrection of the Christ*.

When the film first came out, it sparked debate and received varied reactions from critics. However, it proved popular with audiences and earned approximately $612 million worldwide.

The film received an Oscar nomination and went on to become the most successful independent and Christian film ever made.

Jim Caviezel will once again play Jesus Christ in an upcoming film. Maia Morgenstern will return as Mary, Jesus’ mother, and Francesco De Vito will reprise his role as Peter.

Plot details have remained under wraps, with Mel set to both co-write the script and also direct.  

According to Variety, filming is scheduled to start in August at Cinecitta Studios in Rome.

Filming will take place in the southern Italian town of Madera, along with other nearby locations like Ginosa and Altamura.

In May, The Hollywood Reporter announced that Lionsgate would handle worldwide distribution of the sequel.

According to Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson, many people worldwide consider the upcoming film ‘The Resurrection Of The Christ’ to be the most eagerly awaited movie in decades.

This film is a breathtaking and truly epic cinematic experience that will leave audiences around the world amazed.

He explained that Mel is a truly exceptional director, and this project means a lot to him personally. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to highlight his skills as a filmmaker.

I’ve known Mel Gibson and Bruce Davey for three decades now, and I’m so excited to be working with them again on this incredible project. It’s going to be something special for everyone!

Mel Gibson expressed his admiration for Lionsgate, praising their willingness to take risks, innovative approach, and ability to get things done. He believes they are the ideal partner to release his film, ‘The Resurrection of the Christ’.

I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with Adam and his team on multiple occasions. I’m consistently impressed by their creativity, dedication, and drive, and I’m certain they’ll put their all into making this film a success.

Earlier this year, Mel discussed the project on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast.

He described the new movie as highly ambitious, explaining that the story will span from the angels’ descent to the death of the final apostle.

As a longtime fan, I was really captivated when Gibson explained his vision for the story. He believes to truly understand it, you have to go all the way back to the beginning – to the fall of the angels. That means stepping into a completely different world, another realm entirely. He emphasized that you *need* to explore hell, to go to Sheol, to really grasp the full narrative.

The star further expressed, ‘It’s about finding the way in that’s not cheesy or too obvious. 

I’ve been developing ideas on how to achieve that – how to create specific feelings and reactions in viewers through visual storytelling and camera work. I’ve given this a lot of thought over a long period of time.

Mel acknowledged the film will be challenging and require extensive planning, and she’s uncertain if she can successfully complete it.

Honestly, it’s a really big undertaking. But I’m willing to give it my best shot – you have to try, don’t you?

In a 2022 interview with the National Catholic Register, he told Variety that the film doesn’t follow a straightforward, chronological story.

Gibson described needing to connect the main story to events happening in the past, future, and even different worlds, which he admitted starts to sound like science fiction.

To truly tell this story well, you have to begin with the story of the angels’ fall – which takes you to a different world, a different realm, and ultimately, to hell.

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2025-09-29 02:21