Wed Oct 15 07:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Mel Gibson’s “The Resurrection of the Christ” Undergoes Major Recasting, Production Underway

**Rome, Italy -** Production has begun on Mel Gibson’s highly anticipated follow-up to his 2004 blockbuster, “The Passion of the Christ,” titled “The Resurrection of the Christ.” However, in a surprising move, the entire main ensemble has been recast, with Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen (“The Last Kingdom”) stepping into the role of Jesus, replacing Jim Caviezel, who previously suggested his readiness to reprise the role earlier this year.

Shooting commenced last week at Rome’s Cinecittà Studios, the same location where Gibson filmed the original “Passion,” which grossed a staggering $610 million worldwide. The sequels will be split into two films, both slated for release in 2027.

Alongside Ohtonen, the recast includes Mariela Garriga (“Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning”) as Mary Magdalene, replacing Monica Bellucci; Kasia Smutniak (“Domina”) as Mary, taking over from Maia Morgenstern; Pier Luigi Pasino (“The Law According to Lidia Poët”) as Peter; and Riccardo Scamarcio (“Modì”) as Pontius Pilate. Rupert Everett is also set to appear in an undisclosed, but reportedly significant, role.

According to a source close to the production, the decision to recast the entire film was motivated by the story’s timeline, focusing on the three days after Christ’s crucifixion. “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 source explained.

Gibson, who wrote the script alongside “Braveheart” screenwriter Randall Wallace, has described the sequels as an “acid trip,” promising a unique and compelling take on the resurrection story. Story details are being tightly guarded.

“The Resurrection of the Christ Part One” is scheduled for release on Good Friday, March 26, 2027, while “Part Two” is slated for Ascension Day, May 6, 2027. Lionsgate will distribute the films in theaters.

In addition to Cinecittà Studios, filming will also take place in Matera, and other ancient southern Italian locations.

The film is being produced by Gibson, Bruce Davey, and their Icon Productions banner, with Lionsgate as the studio partner.

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