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Posted on 05/05/2026 10:42:34 AM PDT by DFG
Filming has wrapped on “The Resurrection of the Christ,” the long-awaited sequel to "The Passion of the Christ," marking a major milestone for director Mel Gibson’s follow-up to one of the most commercially successful faith-based films of all time.
Videos circulating on social media in recent days confirm that production has concluded in Italy on the two-part project, which has spent years in development amid script revisions, casting changes and ongoing speculation.
The sequel, titled “The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One,” is scheduled for release on March 26, 2027, followed by “Part Two” on May 6, 2027. The dates align with key points on the Christian calendar, with the first installment debuting on Good Friday and the second arriving on Ascension Day, 40 days later.
The film revisits the story of Jesus Christ following the crucifixion, focusing on the events surrounding the resurrection. Unlike the 2004 original, the sequel features an entirely new cast. Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen takes on the role of Jesus, replacing Jim Caviezel. The ensemble also includes Mariela Garriga as Mary Magdalene, Pier Luigi Pasino as Peter, Kasia Smutniak as Mary, Riccardo Scamarcio as Pontius Pilate and Rupert Everett in a supporting role.
Because the story takes place just days after the crucifixion, producers said they opted to recast rather than rely on digital de-aging technology.
“It made sense to recast the whole film,” a source close to the production previously told Variety. “They would have had to do all this CGI stuff — de-aging and all that — that would have been very costly.”
Production began at Rome’s Cinecittà Studios, the same location used for the original film, and extended to several historic sites in southern Italy, including Matera and surrounding towns.
Gibson, who co-wrote the screenplay with “Braveheart” writer Randall Wallace, has previously described the sequel as an unconventional exploration of theological themes, including Hell, Sheol, the fall of angels and the origin of Satan. He characterized the script as “an acid trip,” signaling a departure from a straightforward retelling of the Gospel narrative.
The original "The Passion of the Christ" grossed more than $610 million worldwide and became one of the highest-grossing independent films in history.
In a 2022 interview with CP, Gibson revealed he’s drawn to stories that highlight redemption and the need for a Savior.
“I've been taught from a young age that we're flawed, and you’re going to make mistakes,” he reflected. “We're broken, and we need help. Usually, the best way to get help is to ask for it. And well, who do we ask? We're asking something better than us. And the minute you acknowledge that there is something better than you, you might get something that resembles humility, which is really the key to the whole thing.”
Gibson encouraged the next generation to “stick” to their “convictions” even though it’s “hard” in an increasingly polarized society.
“Sometimes you're presented with choices or put in places that are very difficult, and some of those choices are hard,” he said. “You just have to examine your own conscience and take the right road, I think. … There's no right way; there are a million wrong ways, and you just have to eliminate those or just use your best discernment to get through it."
“But it’s hard, man,” he added. “Life's hard. But we're all going. We’ve all got a boulder we’re dragging.”
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If Monica Bellucci isn’t in it, I’m out...
I claim no supernatural powers, but I predict that will happen again.
“Remember how Gibson’s earlier “Jesus movie” made the libs flip?”
Yes, they claimed it would lead to Jewish pogroms. Now, they have eliminated that argument as one of their possible concerns.
It has been 20 years, but as I recall the first Pilate was performed by a Romanian actor who did a tremendous job with the complexity Gibson wanted to portray. I strongly dislike the flippant bearing of the actor on The Chosen series, but having seen no further scenes maybe it eventually makes sense.
I am sure there will be those having a cow over this movie. They did over Gibson’s Resurrection of the Christ.
All that did was get more people to view it.
If you think the first two movies are controversial, wait until Part 3, where Jesus comes back again. That would really be controversial. But then again, they are in real life as well.
Based on 2025 news reports regarding his casting in Mel Gibson’s The Resurrection of the Christ, Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen has been described in Catholic media outlets and community posts as a “man of faith.”
He was also featured in promotions by Catholic tradition groups.
He was chosen to play Jesus in the upcoming Gibson sequel.
Monica Bellucci is now 64. The Mary in the movie is played by the 47 year old Kasia Smutniak. Given that teen marriage was quite common in that time period a 47 year old would be a more probable (in appearance) mother of a 33 year old.
Ugh, I hate this Part 1, Part 2 trend that started with Deathly Hallows, ruined The Hobbit series and now is overused by studios. Would much rather Gibson put our one 4 hr film instead.
She’s ok (a little bony) but she’s no Monica.
As of early 2026, Gibson’s first “Jesus” star, Jim Caviezel, is continuing his acting career with a focus on faith-based and action-oriented projects, while engaging in public speaking regarding his personal convictions.
Upcoming and Recent Projects——Archangel (2026):
Caviezel is set to star in this action film, scheduled for release on November 6, 2026, from Sony Pictures and Mandalay Pictures.Dark Horse (2026): He is involved in this project, often discussed in connection with his outspoken views on current events.
Zero A.D. (2026): He is scheduled to play King Herod in this project, which was in post-production as of early 2026.
Sound of Freedom Follow-up: Following the 2023 success of Sound of Freedom, he has continued to promote causes related to fighting child sex trafficking.
Netflix Deal: Reports in March 2026 indicated he signed a deal with Netflix for a limited series detailing his life story and career.
Public Speaking: Caviezel actively speaks at “For God & Country” and other patriotic or religious conferences.Voice Work: He has lent his voice to faith-based audio projects, such as The Word of Promise.
He frequently talks about his faith and his life with his wife, Kerri, and their three adopted children.
https://en.wikipedia.orgJim Caviezel - WikipediaCareer *
I think one of the moderators is a Preterist. I’ll try again,
Jesus Christ in hell? The fall of Lucifer? Pretty trippy.
Passion III, the return of Jesus Christ, the greatest superhero.
Preterists beware.
Agreed.
Many on the left now favor pogroms. That’s the sad reality. Bring back the liberals of 30 years ago!
Anti-semetic Gibson gets none of my money.
There will be much controversy and discussion.
P
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