*Mel Gibson is returning to the world of biblical epics with “The Resurrection of the Christ,” a two-part event scheduled for 2027. Lionsgate has confirmed that Part One will premiere on Good Friday, March 26, with the second installment following on Ascension Day, May 6, forty days later.
The original 2004 film, “The Passion of the Christ,” was both a cultural and financial phenomenon, grossing $612.1 million worldwide on a $30 million budget. “The Passion of the Christ” depicted the final twelve hours of Jesus’ life, drawing on both the Gospels and mystical accounts such as those of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich.
While plot details for “The Resurrection of the Christ” remain under wraps, the new film will feature a completely recast ensemble. Jim Caviezel, who famously played Jesus in the first film, has been replaced by Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen. Variety reports that Caviezel, 57, would have needed to be de-aged (possibly digitally) for the movie, which is set three days after Christ’s crucifixion on Good Friday, so the role was recast.
Monica Bellucci’s role as Mary Magdalene will also be recast, with Cuban actress Mariela Garriga taking on the character. The rest of the ensemble includes Kasia Smutniak as Mary, Pier Luigi Pasino as Peter, Riccardo Scamarcio as Pontius Pilate, and Rupert Everett in an undisclosed role.
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Gibson, who directed and co-wrote the original film with Benedict Fitzgerald, will once again lead the project. Speaking on Joe Rogan’s podcast, Gibson described the upcoming films as “an acid trip,” adding, “There’s a lot required because [the script is] an acid trip. I’ve never read anything like it. There’s some crazy stuff. In order to tell the story properly you have to start with the fall of the angels. You’re in another realm. You need to go Hell. You need to go to Sheol.”
Deadline reports that “The Resurrection of the Christ” is shaping up to be one of the largest independent productions at the upcoming American Film Market. Industry sources indicate that each installment could carry a budget of around $100 million, making the combined project a $200 million endeavor. Production on the film is currently underway in Rome, Italy.
“The Passion of the Christ” set a high bar for biblical cinema, earning three Oscar nominations for Makeup, Cinematography, and Original Score. At the time of its release, it was the highest-grossing R-rated film in the U.S. and remains the top-grossing Christian and independent film of all time.
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