Jim Caviezel, who plays Jesus Christ in Mel Gibson's controversial new film, has been struck by lightning on the set of the flick.
A lightning bolt hit the 35-year-old As well as assistant director Jan Michelini while they were filming outside Rome. Neither of the two were seriously injured in the incident, though it was the second time in a few months that Jan had been hit.
In the first incident he suffered burns to his fingers when lightning stuck the umbrella he was carrying. The crewmember, who has been dubbed "Lightning Boy" by co-workers, was again carrying an umbrella when he was shocked a second time.
"I'm a hundred yards away from them when I glance over and see smoke coming out of Jim's ear," revealed producer Steve McEveety. "The main bolt hit Caviezel and one of its forks hit Michelini's umbrella."
The Lethal Weapon star, who this time serves as director, has invested $25 million of his own money in the film, which focuses on the final 12 hours of Jesus' life.
Entitled The Passion Of Christ the movie has already sparked controversy in the US, where it has been criticised for portraying Jews in a negative light. The movie, which is filmed entirely in the ancient languages of Latin and Aramaic, will go on general release early next year.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
