The cinematic journey that began with Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” is set to continue as filming has commenced on its much-anticipated sequel, “The Resurrection of the Christ.” This new project sees Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen stepping into the role of Jesus, previously portrayed by Jim Caviezel.
Production kicked off last week at Rome’s renowned Cinecittà Studios, the same location where Gibson filmed the 2004 original. This film not only achieved worldwide acclaim but also amassed $610 million, becoming one of the most successful independent films ever, according to Variety.
“The Resurrection of the Christ,” produced by Gibson and Bruce Davey under Icon Productions, with Lionsgate as a studio partner, is being crafted into a two-part series slated for release in 2027.
The film introduces a fresh cast: Cuban actress Mariela Garriga will embody Mary Magdalene, taking over from Monica Bellucci, while Kasia Smutniak steps into the role of Mary, originally played by Maia Morgenstern. Italian actor Pier Luigi Pasino is cast as Peter, and Riccardo Scamarcio will portray Pontius Pilate. Rupert Everett joins the cast in a “small but important role.”
The sequel, set three days post-crucifixion, necessitated the recasting. “It made sense to recast the whole film,” a source mentioned to Variety. “They would have had to do all this CGI stuff — de-aging and all that — that would have been very costly.”
Jim Caviezel, who initially played Jesus, had been preparing for a potential return by delving into C.S. Lewis’ “The Screwtape Letters,” as he shared on the “Arroyo Grande” podcast in April. However, the role has now passed to Ohtonen, known for his work in “The Last Kingdom” on Netflix.
Co-written by Gibson and “Braveheart” screenwriter Randall Wallace, the sequel is described by Gibson as “an acid trip,” with plot details closely guarded. The narrative will delve into the events surrounding Jesus Christ’s resurrection.
The first installment, “The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One,” is scheduled for a Good Friday release on March 26, 2027, with “Part Two” following on Ascension Day, May 6, 2027. Filming locations include Cinecittà’s Studio 22, the historical city of Matera, and nearby areas such as Ginosa, Gravina, Laterza, and Altamura.
The original “Passion of the Christ,” presented in Aramaic, Hebrew, and Latin, focused on the final 12 hours of Jesus’ life and became a cornerstone in religious filmmaking. The sequel aims to continue this story, exploring the dawn of the resurrection.
In a 2022 interview with CP, Gibson expressed his interest in narratives of redemption and salvation. “I’ve been taught from a young age that we’re flawed, and you’re going to make mistakes,” he said. “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 also encouraged young people to adhere to their beliefs despite societal challenges. “Sometimes you’re presented with choices or put in places that are very difficult, and some of those choices are hard,” he reflected. “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.” He added, “But it’s hard, man. Life’s hard. But we’re all going. We’ve all got a boulder we’re dragging.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
