Mel Gibson’s ‘acid trip' ‘Passion of the Christ’ sequel will drive people to the theater: expert

Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" sequel will begin production this August in Rome, Italy. A PR expert explained why the controversy around the first movie could make the sequel a success.

Most of "The Passion of the Christ" was filmed at Cinecittà Studios and the sequel will also share another shooting location with the 2004 movie – the ancient city of Matera in southern Italy. Additional filming will take place in rural towns across the region, including Altamura, Ginosa and Gravina Laterza, per Variety. "What the film has going for it, and what may be the ultimate indicator of how the film does, is curiosity." Ashley Hume is an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to ashley.hume@fox.com and on Twitter: @ashleyhume

Gibson has previously confirmed that Jim Caviezel will reprise his role as Jesus Christ. Maia Morgenstern, who played Jesus’ mother Mary in the first movie, and Francesco De Vito, who portrayed his disciple Peter, may also return, according to IMDb.

"The Passion of the Christ" became a major blockbuster when it debuted in theaters, earning $611 million against a $30 million budget, and it is still the second highest-grossing domestic R-rated movie of all time.