Variety reports that the Monty Python team will re-release its controversial Life of Brian film in theaters at the end of April in New York and Los Angeles to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the movie's original theatrical release. This decision was made in part due to the current success of Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ, which has received its own share of controversial response from viewers.
Defenders of Life of Brian, clearly a tongue-firmly-planted-in-cheek comedy about a man mistaken as the Messiah, have pointed out that the satirical targets of the film are zealotry and intolerance, not faith itself.
The publicity and hoopla surrounding this theatrical re-release could spur sales of Monty Python licensed products, such as plush figures (see 'Toy Vault Creates Plush for Collectors'), DVDs and talking figures (see 'Major Support for Monty Python Figures').