Mel Gibson’s Malta Series: A Celebration Of Christian Valor
Mel Gibson is bringing a new television series to life, focusing on the Siege of Malta, where Christians stood firm against the Ottoman Empire. This project promises to highlight the heroism of the Christian knights, countering Hollywood’s usual tendency to portray Christians negatively.
“I’m also working on a TV limited series about the Siege of Malta, which is an incredible story,” Gibson explained. He highlighted the importance of filming in Malta, the actual site of this historic conflict, which took place from May to September in 1565.
During this siege, the Ottoman Empire launched a formidable attack, sending 40,000 troops to capture the island. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the 700 knights of the Knights Hospitaller mounted a fierce defense, resulting in a significant victory for the Christians.
Historical records indicate that 3,000 of the defending Christians lost their lives, while the Ottoman forces suffered around 20,000 casualties. This defeat was a pivotal moment that bolstered hope in Christian Europe and temporarily halted the Ottoman expansion.
Gibson’s portrayal of this battle is expected to bring attention to the bravery and sacrifice of those involved. The successful defense of Malta delayed further Ottoman advances into Europe until major confrontations like the Siege of Vienna in 1683.
In addition to this series, Gibson is also in the process of filming the sequel to “The Passion of the Christ,” titled “The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection.” This project is expected to begin filming in the spring and will delve into the significant events surrounding Jesus’ resurrection.