The movie will star a neophyte cast indigenous to the region of Mexico where Gibson will shoot the film, according to the trade paper Variety, which says it will "presumably" have the "same kind of subtitles Gibson reluctantly added to 'The Passion of the Christ.'"

Earlier reports claimed the movie would be set 3,000 years ago, but Gibson’s spokesman Alan Nierob is now saying it's set 500 years in the past.

Several studios bid for U.S. distribution rights for the film, which Gibson is bankrolling, before Disney got the nod.

And the fact that more than one studio bid for the project "shows Gibson's viability and makes laughable last year's prediction by the New York Times that Gibson would be blackballed by Jewish executives after the 'Passion' controversy," according to Variety.

In fact, Gibson was deluged with $20-million offers for his acting services after "Passion" was released.

Sources say "Apocalypto," which is set for a summer 2006 release, won't have a religious theme and could even carry an R rating due to violent scenes in the script.

Editor's note:
James Hirsen’s "Tales from the Left Coast" – Find out the real story behind Mel Gibson’s "The Passion," and more!
Mel Gibson, Patricia Heaton, Bo Derek, Tom Selleck Make "Hollywood Heroes" – Click Here Now

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