LOS ANGELES - A JUDGE says Mel Gibson must answer questions about planning and filming 'The Passion of the Christ' in response to a screenwriter's lawsuit.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Gregory Alarcon on Tuesday ordered Gibson to appear for a deposition by mid-January.

Screenwriter Benedict Fitzgerald claims he was underpaid for his work on 'Passion.' His attorneys say Gibson spent tens of thousands of dollars on his children's education while filming in Italy and paid a chiropractor US$78,000 (S$117,956). They contend those expenses lowered payments to Fitzgerald.

Gibson's attorneys want to keep their client from having to answer questions about the blockbuster film. His lawyer didn't return an after-hours phone message. -- AP