Mel Gibson’s “The Resurrection of the Christ” Announces New Leads, Production Details
Rome – Mel Gibson is moving forward with the sequel to his 2004 film The Passion of the Christ, titled The Resurrection of the Christ, with a largely recast ensemble and a planned release spanning key religious dates in 2027. The films will focus on the events following Jesus’ crucifixion, detailing his resurrection.
Jim Caviezel, who starred as Jesus in the original, will not reprise his role. Laetitia Ohtonen has been cast as Jesus,while Kasia Smutniak (“Domina”) will portray Mary Magdalene,replacing Maia Morgenstern from the first film. Peter will be played by Pier Luigi Pasino (“the Law According to Lidia Poët”), and pontius Pilate will be portrayed by Riccardo Scamarcio, who recently appeared in the Johnny Depp-directed biopic Modì. Rupert Everett will also appear in an unspecified, yet critically important, role.
A source close to the production explained the extensive recasting was a practical decision, stating, “They would have had to do all this CGI stuff, all this digital stuff-de-aging and all that-that would have been very costly.” The sequel takes place three days after the crucifixion, necessitating a shift in actors to reflect the passage of time.
Despite the recasting, Gibson remains heavily involved, producing alongside Bruce Davey through their Icon Productions banner, with Lionsgate as the studio partner. gibson has described the scripts, co-written with Randall Wallace (“Braveheart”), as an “acid trip,” adding he’d “never read anything like” them.
The films will continue the original’s commitment to historical authenticity, being filmed in Aramaic, hebrew, and latin. Production is slated to begin at Cinecittà Studios in Rome, utilizing the new Studio 22 facility, and will extend to locations in matera and other ancient towns in Southern Italy, including Ginosa, Gravina Laterza, and Altamura.
The Resurrection of the Christ Part One is scheduled for release on Good Friday, March 26, 2027, with Part Two following 40 days later on Ascension Day, May 6. Lionsgate will release both films theatrically.
