Director Mel Gibson is apparently working on Apocalypto 2, a spiritual follow-up that will examine the next phase of indigenous survival and resiliency, more than eighteen years after the release of Apocalypto, a movie acclaimed for its uncompromising portrayal of the fall of the Mayan civilization. Returning to his distinctive approach of fusing unvarnished, high-stakes drama with historical reality, Gibson hopes to explore a new era of cultural upheaval and change.

While the original film chronicled the trials of Jaguar Paw, a young Mayan hunter fighting for his freedom and family amidst societal chaos, the sequel is said to focus on the aftermath of European contact with the Americas. Sources close to the production suggest Apocalypto 2 will portray a clash of worlds as indigenous peoples confront new technologies, belief systems, and threats brought by colonizers. Gibson is rumored to be building the story around a central indigenous character who must navigate these unprecedented changes while trying to preserve their way of life.

The sequel promises to retain its predecessor’s visceral intensity, with many scenes expected to be filmed in naturalistic settings. Filming will reportedly take place across Central and South America, with the team dedicated to showcasing the beauty and brutality of the untouched wilderness.