Liquid-Love.de | Actionfreunde.de

Hoping to replicate some of the box office success of "The Passion of the Christ," indie producer Bill McKay is mounting "The Resurrection of the Christ," with a 10-week shoot starting in July.
McKay, through his American Trademark shingle, has set an Easter 2011 release, with Samuel Goldwyn Films handling domestic for the $20 million production. Day-and-date international launches will come through an array of distributors.

Scribe Dan Gordan ("The Hurricane," "Murder in the First") is penning the screenplay with a focus on the power, greed and ambition of those involved in the crucifixion -- Pontius Pilate, Herod, Caiaphas and Judas.

"It's as much about the key players as it is about Jesus," McKay said. "We want to bring in the 'Gladiator' dimension of the first century against the political milieu of the time."

Jonas McCord, who helmed Antonio Banderas starrer "The Body," has been tapped to direct.

Shooting will take place in Israel, Morocco and Europe. McKay asserts that "Resurrection" will remain faithful to Biblical and historical records.