Indie producer Bill McKay is developing The Resurrection of the Christ, hoping to replicate some of the box office success of Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ.

According to Variety, McKay has set an Easter 2011 release for the project which scribe Dan Gordan (The Hurricane) is penning 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 has been tapped to direct.

McKay asserts that "Resurrection" will remain faithful to Biblical and historical records.

A 10-week shoot will begin in July in Israel, Morocco and Europe.