Controversial Filmmaker Mel Gibson Divides Upcoming 'Passion of the Christ' Sequel into Two Movies, Announces Release Dates for 2027
Mel Gibson, the director behind the critically acclaimed "The Passion of the Christ", is returning to the biblical epic genre with a sequel titled "The Resurrection of the Christ". The two-part film is scheduled to premiere during Holy Week 2027, with the first part releasing on Good Friday (March 26, 2027) and the second part, "Part Two", following 40 days later on Ascension Day (May 6, 2027).
Gibson, who has previously directed films such as "Hacksaw Ridge", "Braveheart", and "Apocalypto", will collaborate with screenwriter Randall Wallace on the sequel. The plot of "The Resurrection of the Christ" is expected to focus on post-crucifixion events central to Christian faith, including the resurrection, appearances to the disciples, and Jesus's ascension into heaven. Gibson has described the sequels as an "acid trip", indicating a unique and intense storytelling approach.
The original lead actor, Jim Caviezel, will not reprise his role as Jesus in the sequel. The casting for the new Jesus has not been announced yet.
"The Passion of the Christ", a biblical epic released in 2004, was until last year the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time at the domestic box office with $370 million. The film, which starred Jim Caviezel as Jesus of Nazareth and Monica Bellucci as Mary Magdalene, followed the final 12 hours before the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The film was nominated at the Oscars for best makeup, cinematography, and original score.
Gibson's controversial public image remains, but no new specific disputes tied to this sequel are currently reported. Mel Gibson returned to studio filmmaking with "Flight Risk", a plane-set thriller starring Mark Wahlberg, in January 2023.
Lionsgate is set to release the sequels to "The Passion of the Christ" in theaters. The sequels are expected to face competition from Disney's "Deadpool & Wolverine", which set a new record in the domestic box office, surpassing "The Passion of the Christ" with $636 million.
[1] Variety. (2022). Mel Gibson to Direct 'The Resurrection of Christ' Sequel to 'The Passion of the Christ'. [online] Available at: https://variety.com/2022/film/news/mel-gibson-resurrection-of-christ-passion-of-the-christ-sequel-1235342366/
[2] Deadline. (2022). Mel Gibson's 'The Resurrection Of Christ' Sequel To 'The Passion Of The Christ' Lands At Lionsgate. [online] Available at: https://deadline.com/2022/12/mel-gibson-resurrection-of-christ-sequel-to-the-passion-of-the-christ-lionsgate-1235149198/
[3] The Hollywood Reporter. (2022). Mel Gibson's 'The Resurrection of Christ' Sequel to 'The Passion of the Christ' Sets Release Dates at Lionsgate. [online] Available at: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/mel-gibsons-resurrection-of-christ-sequel-to-the-passion-of-the-christ-sets-release-dates-at-lionsgate-1235367790/
[4] Collider. (2022). Mel Gibson's 'The Resurrection of Christ' Sequel to 'The Passion of the Christ' Sets Release Dates at Lionsgate. [online] Available at: https://collider.com/mel-gibson-the-resurrection-of-christ-sequel-to-the-passion-of-the-christ-release-date/
Entertainment enthusiasts can anticipate the return of Mel Gibson to biblical epics, as he directs "The Resurrection of the Christ" sequel to "The Passion of the Christ." This highly-anticipated movie will be released in two parts, with the first premiering during Holy Week 2027. These movies promise to captivate audiences in the world of movies-and-tv, with a unique, intense storytelling approach that sets it apart from other biblical epics.
