We've found out who will distribute the second part of Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ." A well-known studio will handle it.

Production is well underway on Mel Gibson's long-awaited sequel to The Passion of the Christ. Filming is set to begin this summer, and Lionsgate has just signed on to the project. Together with Icon Productions, they will produce the sequel to what was for a long time the highest-grossing R-rated film in cinema history.

On Thursday, May 15 , Lionsgate Motion Picture Group CEO Adam Fogelson and Mel Gibson announced their collaboration on a film titled "The Resurrection of the Christ." For years, the project had been on Gibson's radar, but many factors, not just film-related, had gotten in the way. Now, everything seems to be buttoned up and the sequel to "The Passion of the Christ" will finally be made.

Filming for "The Resurrection of the Christ" is set to begin in late summer. Details of its plot are unknown, but the New Testament will be key to its development. "The Passion of the Christ" told the bloody story of Jesus Christ's Way of the Cross, the sequel will tell the story of His resurrection three days later. According to Gibson's earlier announcements, it will not be a story with a linear narrative, but will take place on different time planes.

Jim Caviezel is expected to reprise his role as Jesus Christ, and Monica Bellucci will reprise her role as Mary Magdalene. The script for "The Resurrection of the Christ" was written by Gibson and Randall Wallace. Lionsgate has backed the star's previous directorial projects: "Lethal Weapon," "Hacksaw Ridge" and "10,000 Feet Above."

- For many people around the world, "The Resurrection of the Christ" is the most important film project of a generation . It will be an inspiring and spectacular production that will delight a global audience. Mel is one of the greatest contemporary directors, and this personal project is ideally suited to his talent - there is no doubt Fogelson quoted by Deadline.