More than twenty years after The Passion of the Christ moved audiences around the world, director Mel Gibson has begun filming its long-awaited sequel, The Resurrection of the Christ. Shooting recently commenced at Rome’s historic Cinecittà Studios, the same site where The Passion was filmed in 2004, according to Variety.
A New Generation Portraying the Greatest Story Ever Told
Taking on the role of Jesus is Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen, best known for his work in Netflix’s historical series The Last Kingdom. He replaces Jim Caviezel, whose powerful performance as Christ defined the original film. As Gibson’s production source explained, “Because of the time frame in which The Resurrection of the Christ takes place — three days after Christ’s crucifixion on Good Friday — it made sense to recast the whole film,” noting that de-aging the original cast “would have been very costly,” Variety reports.
Cuban actress Mariela Garriga, who appeared in Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, will portray Mary Magdalene. Polish-born Kasia Smutniak (Domina) plays Mary, the Mother of God. Pier Luigi Pasino takes on the role of Peter, and Riccardo Scamarcio (Modì) portrays Pontius Pilate. British actor Rupert Everett will appear in what Variety describes as a “small but important role.”
A Story of Triumph After Suffering
The original Passion of the Christ focused on the final 12 hours of Jesus’ earthly life. Gibson’s new work will center on the three days that changed history — Christ’s descent into death and His glorious resurrection. Gibson has described the scripts, co-written with Braveheart screenwriter Randall Wallace, as “an acid trip,” saying he “never read anything like them,” according to Variety.
While specific plot details remain under wraps, early reports suggest the two-part film will explore both the mystery and majesty of the Resurrection. Part One is slated for theatrical release on Good Friday, March 26, 2027, with Part Two arriving forty days later on Ascension Day, May 6, 2027, distributed by Lionsgate.
Returning to the Roots of Sacred Cinema
Production will take place not only at Cinecittà’s new Studio 22 but also in the ancient town of Matera, southern Italy — a location rich in biblical imagery and used frequently for religious epics. Additional filming is planned in nearby towns such as Ginosa, Gravina Laterza, and Altamura, Variety notes.
Gibson and producer Bruce Davey are once again working under their Icon Productions banner. For many Christians, this sequel represents not only a continuation of cinematic storytelling but a deeper meditation on the central mystery of our faith: that Christ conquered death so that we might share eternal life.
Looking Toward 2027
When The Passion of the Christ was released, it became one of the most successful independent films ever, grossing $610 million worldwide and awakening countless hearts to the suffering love of Jesus. Now, with a new cast and renewed vision, The Resurrection of the Christ promises to invite audiences to witness the moment when sorrow turned to glory.
As believers anticipate this continuation of Gibson’s biblical saga, the upcoming films remind us that the story of Easter is not only cinematic — it is the very heart of Christian hope.
Your support brings the truth to the world.
Catholic Online News exists because of donors like you. We are 100% funded by people who believe the world deserves real, uncensored news rooted in faith and truth — not corporate agendas. Your gift ensures millions can continue to access the news they can trust — stories that defend life, faith, family, and freedom.
When truth is silenced, your support speaks louder.
