The highly anticipated sequel to Mel Gibson’s “Passion of Christ” will debut “Resurrection of Christ: Part 1” on Good Friday, 2027, with “Part 2” released on Ascension Day, in two parts.
Lionsgate and Icon Productions announced on Tuesday that the two-part project will be released more than 20 years after “The Passion of Christ.”
Released in 2004, “The Passion” reached $83 million domestically and ultimately won $370 million in North America, and over $610 million worldwide with a production budget of $30 million, making it one of the most successful independent films of all time. Until 2023, it held the record as the highest Grossing R-rated film in the nation’s box office history.
“The Resurrection of Christ” is produced by Gibson and longtime collaborator Bruce Davy under the icon production banner. Details of the cast, production timeline, and creative direction of the two films have not been released.
“For many people around the world, “The Resurrection of Christ” is the most anticipated theatrical event of a generation. It is also a grand, adoring theatrical film that will take the world’s breath.”
He said, “Mel was one of the great directors of our time, and this project is both a perfect showcase for him and his talent as a filmmaker. Mel and Bruce’s relationship dates back 30 years.
As previously reported in the Christian Post, Gibson reportedly set an August start date for follow-up to the 2004 biblical epic. Filming will take place at Cinesitta Studio in Rome. This is the same lot where the original 2004 film was filmed, and will take place in the Italian town of Matera in several other Old World locations, including the Galaxy, Gravina Lateza and Altamura.
Jim Caviesel is set to return as Jesus along with Maia Morgenstern (Mary) and Francesco de Vito (Peter).
In an interview in January about the “Joe Rogan Experience” podcast, Gibson described the upcoming film as an “acid trip,” adding that he “never reads” the script. Gibson also said that Caviezel, now 56, will use aging technology “is very good now.”
Kabiesel recently revealed that he is turning to the letters of CS Lewis’ screw tape for spiritual preparation as he prepares to reprise his role in Jesus.
The actor said he is closer to a “revival” from more perspective than he was 20 years ago, adding, “I’ve gone too far on my last ski. This time, I really want to stay in the moment. I want to enjoy this.”
“If I were (scary), I wouldn’t want to work with that actor,” he said. “This is war… the world didn’t like ‘passion’. That’s a good thing. So we did a good job. ”
In a 2022 interview with CP, Gibson revealed that he was drawn to a story that emphasizes the need for redeeming and the Savior.
“I’ve been taught since I was a young child that we are flawed. You’ll make mistakes,” he recalled. “We’re broken and we need help. Usually, the best way to get help is to ask for it. And who do we ask? We want better than us. And you admit there are better things than you.
Originally published by The Christian Post.
