Just a year ago, Mel Gibson's controversial "The Passion of The Christ" couldn't find a distributor. Now, an independent marketing survey says the film may have the makings of a box office hit.
Variety reports that just two weeks before its nationwide Feb. 25 release, the movie is scoring high enough in marketing surveys that Nielsen NRG predicts a $15-$30 million opening weekend, and some experts say total US gross may top the $100 million mark that unofficially certifies a movie as a success.
The entertainment trade publication cites media coverage surrounding charges the film is anti-Semitic and a strong grassroots effort by Christians to promote the film as raising ticket-buyer awareness.
James Caviezel, who plays Jesus, is on the cover of this week's Newsweek, and ABC's Primetime Live newsmagazine will devote a full hour to the movie.
"It's one of the most talked about films since the first 'Star Wars' prequel," said Exhibitor Relations' Paul Dergarabedian.
Trailers from the film can be viewed at http://www.thepassionthemovie.com/splash.htm.
