Mel Gibson is moving forward with a two-part sequel to his controversial film, The Passion of the Christ. Titled The Resurrection of the Christ, the project has garnered significant attention following its predecessor’s box office success over twenty years ago.
New Cast Members for The Resurrection of the Christ
Several lead roles have been recast in the upcoming sequel due to the passage of time. Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen will portray Jesus, succeeding Jim Caviezel. Cuban actress Mariela Garriga, known for her appearance in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, takes over the role of Mary Magdalene, previously played by Monica Bellucci.
Supporting Cast
- Kasia Smutniak as Mary, replacing Maia Morgenstern
- Pier Luigi Pasino as Peter
- Riccardo Scamarcio as Pontius Pilate
- Rupert Everett in an undisclosed role, described as small yet important
The film began shooting last week in Rome, Italy. Initially, it was believed that Caviezel and other original cast members would reprise their roles. However, financial constraints and the complexity of de-aging the actors led Gibson to search for a new cast.
The Long Development Process
Discussions about a sequel to The Passion of the Christ have persisted for years. Gibson has indicated that writing the script took nearly eight years due to its complex subject matter. He emphasized that understanding the themes of good, evil, and the significance of mankind required a thorough exploration of salvation history and theology.
“It’s massive,” Gibson stated, explaining the necessity of splitting the narrative into two films for clarity and depth.
Release Information
The Resurrection of the Christ is currently set to be released in two parts, with the first installment scheduled for March 26, 2027. The screenplay has been co-written by Randall Wallace and Donal Gibson, with Jim Caviezel listed as a producer.
