AceShowbiz - Mel Gibson is producing a follow-up to his 2004 film The Passion of the Christ titled The Resurrection of the Christ, which is divided into two parts and was filmed simultaneously in Rome. The two-part project is scheduled for theatrical release in 2027, with Part One arriving on March 26, Good Friday, and Part Two following on May 6, Ascension Day.

The screenplay, co-written by Gibson and Randall Wallace, evolved over more than 20 years, with nearly a decade dedicated to its current form. The story focuses on the resurrection event starting three days after Jesus's crucifixion, exploring its spiritual and political aftermath. Unlike the original, which was filmed in Aramaic and Latin, this sequel is shot in English to navigate the complex narrative without subtitles. The script was designed from the outset to split naturally into two parts. Production included massive practical sets representing Jerusalem, Damascus, Rome, Egypt, and desert locations, built under the direction of Francesco Frigeri, who also worked on the original film’s sets. Filming took place primarily at Cinecittà Studios in Rome, with additional scenes shot in historic southern Italian towns such as Matera, Ginosa, and Altamura. The films are now in post-production, undergoing editing and visual effects work.

Gibson’s new casting replaces Jim Caviezel with Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen as Jesus Christ, a choice that stirred mixed reactions among fans. The sequel’s cast also includes Mariela Garriga as Mary Magdalene, Kasia Smutniak as Mary, Pier Luigi Pasino as Apostle Peter, Riccardo Scamarcio as Pontius Pilate, and Rupert Everett in an undisclosed role. Gibson described the project as his most ambitious, aiming to present the resurrection event not only through biblical accounts but also supported by references from 17 secular historians, emphasizing credibility and a fresh portrayal of Jesus’s humanity and divinity.

Mel Gibson is a multifaceted filmmaker with over 60 credits as actor, director, and producer. He is known for roles such as 'Mad' Max Rockatansky in Mad Max and Mad Max 2, and has earned multiple award nominations for directing, including for Hacksaw Ridge (2016).

This two-part sequel represents a significant expansion in scope and ambition compared to the original, aiming to deepen the spiritual narrative while enhancing cinematic scale. Its release on key Christian calendar dates underscores its intended cultural and religious impact, positioning it as one of the most thematically and visually ambitious religious films in recent memory.