After more than two decades, Mel Gibson is returning to continue his biblical epic with The Resurrection of the Christ now in production. Its predecessor, The Passion of the Christ, was met with much controversy at the time, and it seems that Gibson’s sequel will follow suit, with the follow-up having already been hit with accusations of blasphemy after several major recasts.
Gibson, who himself has become a highly controversial figure in Hollywood, has decided not to bring fellow controversial (surely one movie can only carry so much controversy?) actor Jim Caviezel as Jesus, instead casting Finnish actor and The Last Kingdom star Jaakko Ohtonen. Not only that, The Resurrection of the Christ has also recast the role of Mary Magdelene, swapping Monica Bellucci for Mission: Impossible star Mariela Garriga.
“Recasting Jesus is blasphemous work,” said one user on X/Twitter, with another adding, “Another white Jesus? I’ll pass.” This sentiment is echoed by others, with another user saying, “Mel said, get me the whitest human being you can find, Nordic if possible,” while this reaction simply adds, “Sounds about white.”
Some have taken issue with Gibson ditching Caviezel, with this user saying, “Disappointing news. I’ve been waiting forever for this movie. It won’t be the same without a truly devout and believing actor playing Jesus. Caviezel’s personal faith was evident in every moment of The Passion.” However, others are pleased that Gibson will not attempt to de-age the actor and has instead opted for the recast.
Can Mel Gibson’s Biblical Sequel Survive the Inevitable Controversy?
Released back in 2004, The Passion of the Christ details the events and betrayal which led up to Christ’s crucifixion in the New Testament. The biblical epic was intensely divisive upon release, with some finding the movie to be graphically violent to a fault, while others accused the movie of antisemitism. Others, however, heaped praise on the performances, Gibson’s direction, and even found the movie to be a deeply religious experience.
The Resurrection of the Christ, which will be split into two parts, with the first part debuting in theaters on March 26, 2027, followed by part two on Ascension Day, May 6, 2027, already facing controversy could work both for and against the biblical epic. While The Passion of the Christ faced its own set of issues, these discussions likely helped boost the movie into the “must-see” category, with the first outing finding huge success at the box office and grossing $612 million worldwide against a budget of $30 million.
The Resurrection of the Christ will center on the titular return of Jesus Christ following his crucifixion, which was explored in vicious detail in The Passion of the Christ. Featuring an all-new cast that includes Jaakko Ohtonen as Jesus of Nazareth, Mariela Garriga as Mary Magdalene, Pier Luigi Pasino as Peter, Kasia Smutniak as Mary, mother of Jesus, Riccardo Scamarcio as Pontius Pilate, and Rupert Everett, this is unlikely to be the only time we will see the movie’s title and the word “controversy” standing side by side.
- Release Date
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March 26, 2027
- Writers
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Randall Wallace, Donal Gibson
- Producers
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Jim Caviezel