©Courtesy of Icon Productions

Lionsgate has been selected to distribute Mel Gibson‘s “The Resurrection of the Christ,” the anticipated follow-up to 2004’s “The Passion of the Christ” around the world. The announcement came Thursday from Adam Fogelson, chair, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, and Gibson.

Gibson and Bruce Davey, their Icon Productions partner, are collaborating with the mini-major on the movie that has been in development for nearly a decade. Gibson was previously a member of the team at Lionsgate for both “Hacksaw Ridge” and this year’s “Flight Risk“. Gibson intends to have Caviezel return to his role with the aid of de-aging technology, as stated by him. Late summer is when the filming begins in European locations.

Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson says in a statement: “For many, many people across the globe, ‘The Resurrection of the Christ’ is the most anticipated theatrical event in a generation. It is also an awe-inspiring and spectacularly epic theatrical film that is going to leave moviegoers worldwide breathless. Mel is one of the greatest directors of our time, and this project is both deeply personal to him and the perfect showcase for his talents as a filmmaker. My relationship with Mel and Bruce dates back 30 years, and I am thrilled to be partnering with them once again on this landmark event for audiences.”

The original film was produced and self-financed by Gibson and his production company for around $30 million. The gamble paid off, the film pulling in $610 million globally and the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time domestically until “Deadpool & Wolverine” last year.

Lauren Bixby, John Biondo and Grace Clements oversaw the deal on behalf of the studio. Davey and Vicki Christianson of Icon, Jim Osborne of IAG and attorney Joel VanderKloot oversaw on behalf of the filmmakers.

Lionsgate will join Gibson and Brucey Davey’s Icon Productions to mount a follow to the movie which long held the mark as the biggest domestic-grossing R-rated film of all time.