Mel Gibson will introduce an all-new cast for The Resurrection of the Christ. The film, a follow-up to Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ (2004), has already replaced Jim Caviezel as Jesus, Variety reports.
Jaakko Ohtonen (Vikings: Valhalla, The Last Kingdom) will instead take on the lead role. Perhaps this is due to the difficulties that come with de-ageing technology. If Caviezel were cast, a significant amount of time and money would be spent making the 57-year-old appear as he did over two decades ago.
Monica Bellucci has also been replaced as Mary Magdalene. The role will now be played by Mariela Garriga (Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning).
The rest of the cast includes Kasia Smutniak, Pier Luigi Pasino, Rupert Everett and Riccardo Scamarcio.
Earning over $610 million globally, The Passion… was a resounding success. Gibson, a devout Catholic, produced and financed the film himself for $30 million. Nominated for three Oscars, the biblical epic follows the final twelve hours before the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
For over 20 years, the film remained the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time. 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine took the top spot in North America shortly after its theatrical release.
The sequel, split into two parts, is scheduled for release in 2027. It will be produced by Gibson’s Icon Productions and distributed by Lionsgate. Filming began on October 6, 2025, entirely at Cinecittà Studios in Rome.
The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One is scheduled for release on March 26, 2027. Part Two is scheduled to follow on May 6, 2027.
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