Thirty years after Braveheart changed cinematic history, screenwriter Randall Wallace is once again working alongside Mel Gibson—this time on a film centered on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But according to Wallace, the conversations surrounding the project have been just as spiritual as they have been creative.
During a recent interview with Raymond Arroyo, Wallace reflected on how God has guided his career through hardship, the importance of surrendering every creative work to the Lord, and the spiritual warfare he believes accompanies projects centered on Christ.
God Used Rock Bottom to Write Braveheart
Wallace revealed that Braveheart was born during one of the darkest seasons of his life after a writers’ strike left him without work and fearing he would fail his family.
Instead of demanding success, Wallace said he surrendered everything to God.
“Maybe the best thing for my sons is… they live in a little house the way my sister and I did… and if that’s what God wants for my sons, then please bring it on and help me bear it.”
He said his only request was that he would remain faithful.
“If I go down in this fight, help me go down not on my knees to Hollywood, but standing up fighting for what I believe… writing what I want my sons to see.”
Wallace said that prayer “led directly to Braveheart.”
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‘The Greatest Calling You Can Have’
Although Wallace studied religion and attended seminary, he never felt called to become a pastor.
A conversation with one of his pastors changed the way he viewed ministry forever.
“The greatest calling you can have is the one God has for you.”
Wallace said those words gave him the freedom to pursue filmmaking as his God-given calling rather than trying to fit someone else’s path.
Every Writing Session Begins With Prayer
Wallace also shared the prayer he prays before sitting down to write.
“I thank God for now and for this work… I ask Him to bless me in it and others through it… I pray to offer the work to Him as He offers it to me.”
He then prays the Prayer of Jabez before thanking God “that I’m part of His creativity, too.”
For Wallace, writing is not simply a profession—it is an act of worship.
Mel Gibson’s Warning About Spiritual Warfare
Perhaps the most striking moment came as Wallace described conversations with Gibson about The Resurrection of the Christ.
Wallace said he encouraged Gibson that the next story to tell was Christ’s victory over death. Gibson agreed, but first established the heart behind the project.
“If we do this, it can’t be for the money and it can’t be… to get back at people that have hated us.”
Then came a warning Wallace has never forgotten.
“You know, Satan’s going to come after you.”
Wallace joked in response, saying, “Satan doesn’t really care about Baptists… It’s really good when Satan can get a Catholic,” before explaining he was being facetious.
The conversation quickly turned toward God’s grace, with the two discussing how Catholics and Protestants alike depend entirely on the undeserved mercy of Christ.
Wallace said that conversation became the spiritual foundation for the project.
‘God’s Plan Is Better Than Your Plan’
Looking back over his life, Wallace said the greatest lessons have come from seasons that initially appeared to be failures.
“God’s plan is better than your plan.”
Whether losing work, nearly losing his hand to infection, or facing uncertainty about the future, Wallace said each trial ultimately became preparation for something greater.
His encouragement to us is simple: trust God with the calling He has placed on your life, abandon fear, and remain faithful even when the path ahead is unclear.
To watch the full interview, click here (Editor’s Note: mild language).
