Mel Gibson Starts Production on “The Resurrection of the Christ,” 20 Years After ‘The Passion’

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21 years ago, an independent film grossed $610 million worldwide and became one of the highest-earning independent films in history. What was that film? Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ. 

As of October 15th, 2025, filming for the long-awaited sequel, The Resurrection of the Christ, has begun production in the same location as the original 2004 film: Rome’s Cinecittà Studios. Shocking to many, however, the film will include two parts and an entirely new cast. When asked about these decisions, Variety notes that such conclusions were made because “they would have had to do all this CGI stuff—de-aging and all that—that would’ve been very costly.”

In this new project produced by Bruce and Gibson Davey (Icon Productions with Lionsgate as a studio partner), part 1 will arrive on Good Friday, March 26th, 2027, and part 2 will follow on Ascension Day, May 6th, 2027. While the original film depicted Jesus’ 12 final hours on earth, the parts one and two sequels will take place three days after Christ’s crucifixion. 

Although the film is overtly Christian, it seems to have everyone talking, reports Yahoo Entertainment. Many are furious over Gibson’s decision to replace Jim Caviezel, the man who portrayed Jesus, with Jaakko Ohtonen; others are calling his shots blasphemous work. Despite backlash, Gibson promises an ambitious and rewarding sequel. One that stays true to the theme of the Gospel without being cheesy, and encourages viewers to stick to their convictions amidst an ever-evolving society. 

Though the Passion of the Christ has been both acclaimed and marked for controversy for its graphic depiction of the crucifixion, followers anticipate The Resurrection of the Christ that has been in development for years. In an interview with Greg Laurie, Gibson noted that the film isn’t just going to be about three days—“the time between Jesus’ death and resurrection.” “It’s not just about the event; it’s about what was happening spiritually.”