(Alt. headline: Mel Gibson another example of the pot calling the kettle Jew?)

Hey, remember that story about LucasFilm refusing to pay residuals to the guy who played Darth Vader, because they said Return of the Jedi hadn’t turned a profit?  This story’s kind of like that.  Seems Mel Gibson and several film companies have reached an undisclosed settlement with Passion of the Christ co-writer Benedict Fitzgerald, who had sued them for $10 million.  Among the screenwriter’s claims:

The screenwriter’s suit claimed Gibson told him the budget for the movie would be in the $4 million to $7 million range, but that it was significantly higher. [Most say about $30 million. -Ed.]

Fitzgerald also claimed that Gibson told him he would not receive any money from the film, but considered it a gift of his faith.

His attorneys also claimed Gibson spent tens of thousands of dollars on his children’s education while filming in Italy and paid a chiropractor $78,000. They contended those expenses lowered payments to Fitzgerald. [THR]

Meanwhile, Passion of the Christ made almost $612 million worldwide. It was the highest-grossing non-English language movie as well as the highest-grossing R-rated movie ever made.  But this guy still deserves nothing. He should’ve known what he was getting into.  Working with Hollywood types and Jesus freaks?  Not getting paid’s the least of your worries, buddy, just be glad your kids didn’t get molested.