Mel Gibson’s long-awaited sequel, “The Resurrection of the Christ,” has made significant casting changes. Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen has been cast as Jesus, taking over from Jim Caviezel. Production began last week at Cinecittà Studios in Rome.
Film Details and Production
The sequel follows the massive success of “The Passion of the Christ,” which grossed $610 million globally. This new film will be split into two parts, scheduled for release in 2027.
Main Cast Changes
- Jesus: Jaakko Ohtonen (known for “The Last Kingdom”)
- Mary Magdalene: Mariela Garriga, who appeared in “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning”
- Replacing Maia Morgenstern: Kasia Smutniak as Mary
- Peter: Pier Luigi Pasino, from Netflix’s “The Law According to Lidia Poët”
- Pontius Pilate: Riccardo Scamarcio, who starred in the Johnny Depp-directed “Modì”
- Small role: Rupert Everett
The recasting decision was influenced by the film’s timeline, which occurs three days after Christ’s crucifixion. A production source indicated that using CGI for aging effects would have been prohibitively expensive.
Release Dates and Filming Locations
“The Resurrection of the Christ Part One” is set to premiere on Good Friday, March 26, 2027, with “Part Two” following on Ascension Day, May 6, 2027. Lionsgate will distribute the films.
In addition to Cinecittà, filming will take place in the historic town of Matera and other locations in southern Italy, including Ginosa, Gravina Laterza, and Altamura.
Script and Direction
Gibson is producing the film alongside Bruce Davey under Icon Productions, partnering with Lionsgate. The scripts, co-written with “Braveheart” writer Randall Wallace, have been described by Gibson as an “acid trip.”
The first film will focus on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but further plot details remain undisclosed. With its dramatic narrative and a fresh cast, “The Resurrection of the Christ” promises to be a worthwhile follow-up to the original film.
