Mel Gibson planning sequel to 2004’s controversial The Passion of the Christ

Mel Gibson is reportedly planning a sequel to his 2004 film Passion of the Christ.

The actor and filmmaker is in ‘serious discussions’ with Braveheart screenwriter Randall Wallace to make a follow-up film.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Wallace revealed that the pair are keen to focus on the resurrection of Christ after the controversially graphic crucifixion in the first film.

“I always wanted to tell this story,” he said. “The Passion is the beginning and there’s a lot more story to tell.

“The evangelical community considers The Passion the biggest movie ever out of Hollywood, and they kept telling us that they think a sequel will be even bigger.”

Wallace admitted that they were still only at the writing stage and are yet to secure financial backing from any production companies or investors.

“It's too early to talk money,” he said. “This is such a huge and sacred subject."

Wallace, who was nominated for an screenwriting Oscar for Braveheart, has been working with Gibson on new WWII film Hacksaw Ridge.

He also wrote and directed 2014’s faith-based drama Heaven Is For Real.

The Passion of the Christ is one of the most successful independent films of all time, grossing over $600 million during its theatrical release.