The casting of Polish-born actress Kasia Smutniak, a public supporter of abortion rights, as Mary, the Mother of Jesus, in Mel Gibson’s upcoming film The Resurrection of the Christ has ignited backlash among conservative Catholic groups in her native Poland.
According to Variety, “The casting of Polish-born actress Kasia Smutniak as Mary in Mel Gibson’s The Resurrection of the Christ is sparking controversy from far-right Catholic groups in her native country, where Smutniak is known as a pro-abortion activist.”
A Recast for Gibson’s Long-Awaited Sequel
Production began in early October at Rome’s Cinecittà Studios, marking Gibson’s long-anticipated return to the biblical epic that made international headlines over twenty years ago. This time, the film features a completely new cast: Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen (The Last Kingdom) replaces Jim Caviezel as Jesus; Cuban actress Mariela Garriga plays Mary Magdalene; and Smutniak steps into the sacred role of the Virgin Mary, originally portrayed by Maia Morgenstern in The Passion of the Christ (2004).
According to Variety, Polish media report that supporters of the country’s Law and Justice (PiS) party, a conservative, pro-life group—have written to Gibson’s production company, Icon Productions, to protest Smutniak’s casting. Their objections stem from her support of Strajk Kobiet (Women’s Strike), a movement that has led nationwide protests against Poland’s strict abortion laws, using the symbol of a red lightning bolt as its emblem.
When reached for comment, Gibson’s publicist Alan Nierob told Variety he was “not aware of this protest.” Smutniak herself declined to respond through her agent.
The Clash Between Art and Faith
For Catholic viewers, the Virgin Mary is more than a cinematic role; she is the living image of purity, humility, and obedience to God’s will. The idea of casting someone publicly aligned with abortion activism to portray the Mother of Life has, for many, struck a deeply personal chord.
The debate raises enduring questions about representation and reverence in religious art: Can an actor’s public beliefs conflict with the sacred identity of the character they portray? Should filmmakers prioritize artistic range over spiritual resonance when telling Christ’s story?
Smutniak, who resides in Italy, has appeared in over 40 films and series, including Sky’s Devils and Domina. She also directed the 2023 documentary Walls (Mur), which denounced her homeland’s anti-migrant border wall—another stance that has polarized opinion in Poland.
A Familiar Tension in Gibson’s Casting Choices
Interestingly, this is not the first time one of Gibson’s biblical films has featured actors with opposing moral views. Variety notes that Monica Bellucci, who played Mary Magdalene in The Passion of the Christ, “has spoken out in favor of a woman’s right to choose, calling its ban a ‘moral falsehood.’” Gibson himself, however, is known for his traditional Catholic convictions and public opposition to both abortion and contraception.
Thus, while the new casting may not mark a departure from Gibson’s past approach, it has reignited a discussion among believers about the spiritual coherence of such portrayals, particularly in a film focused on Christ’s victory over death.
A Catholic Reflection
Beyond the headlines, the controversy offers Catholics an occasion for deeper reflection. The Church venerates Mary as the “Mother of the Living” (cf. Genesis 3:20) and the first disciple whose “yes” to God made redemption possible. Her role in salvation history embodies the sanctity of life and the hope of resurrection itself.
For that reason, some faithful find it painful that a public advocate of abortion would portray the Blessed Mother. Others, however, see an opportunity: if handled with reverence, even a controversial casting could spark new interest in the Gospel story and perhaps open hearts to conversion.
Ultimately, as the faithful await the release of The Resurrection of the Christ, the discussion surrounding Smutniak’s casting underscores a timeless truth: Mary’s example still challenges the world. Her words remain the model for all disciples, “Be it done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)
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