Hollywood director Mel Gibson, whose religious film The Passion of Christ became the surprise megahit of 2004, will direct a new action film that will again take him back to ancient times.
Entertainment industry bible Daily Variety said that the actor-director will go behind the camera to make Apocalypto, an action and violence-packed movie set in an ancient civilisation around 3 000 years ago.
But the latest epic that will be fully financed by Gibson's Icon Productions -- Hollywood's hottest production property following the runaway success of Passion that Gibson funded from his own pocket -- will not have a religious theme.
The American-Australian Gibson will direct and produce Apocalypto and also wrote its script, but will not star in the film which will begin production in October and be released in the middle of 2006, Variety said.
Gibson is said to be Hollywood's most powerful figure since taking a huge risk by self-financing Passion, which told the story of the last hours of Jesus Christ, after other investors refused to support the film.
A devout Catholic, Gibson put $25-million of his own money into the film, which ended up netting $604-million around the world, becoming the most successful independent film of all time.
The stunning success and profits produced by the film instantly made Gibson very wealthy and powerful in movie circles, giving him a new influence that Variety compared to that of Star Wars creator George Lucas.
By financing the new picture exclusively through Icon Productions, Gibson maintains full control of the project.
Walt Disney won the competition to distribute Apocolypto -- which is a Greek term meaning "an unveiling" or "new beginning" -- in North America, while Icon Productions will circulate it in the rest of the world.
Entertainment giant Disney had to agree to stringent distribution terms set by Gibson in order to win the United States and Canadian rights for the film, Variety said.
Gibson sprang to fame through his acting roles as the star of films such as Lethal Weapon and Mad Max.
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Its' also reported that, like Passion, Gibson will finance the film himself, and like Passion, there will be high levels of graphic violence. Again, like Passion - characters will speak an ancient language in the film.
I didnt know it was to be set 3,000 years ago though..? I read the other day it was set 500 years ago in Central America. Ceefax are sure on the ball huh?
I can't say I "enjoyed" Passion (cant think of an appropitate word), but I'm pleased I saw it (well made and moving film) so this has me intrigued.
Thats all there was.
