Two Mel Gibson-directed films centering on Jesus Christ are set for release in the spring of 2027.
Mel Gibson, the acclaimed director of historical epics like "Braveheart," is set to bring two new Jesus films to theaters in the spring of 2027. The sequels, titled "The Resurrection of the Christ," will be released as a two-parter, with Part 1 on Good Friday (26th March 2027) and Part 2 on Ascension Day (6th May 2027).
Production for the new films, a continuation of Gibson's controversial crucifixion film, "The Passion of the Christ," from 2004, is set to begin this year. The film is produced by Mel Gibson and Bruce Davey under Icon Productions, with Lionsgate as the distribution partner. Filming is set to take place at Cinecittà Studios in Rome, the same location as the original film, as well as historic Italian towns like Matera, Ginosa, Gravina Laterza, and Altamura.
The screenplay has been in development since 2016, with Gibson collaborating with his brother Donal Gibson and "Braveheart" screenwriter Randall Wallace. The narrative style of the new film is described as "an acid trip," suggesting a surreal or extraordinary journey that includes elements like "the fall of the angels" and a journey through hell.
Jim Caviezel, who played Jesus in "The Passion of the Christ," is set to reprise his role in the sequels, with Maia Morgenstern returning as Mary and Francesco De Vito as Peter. However, Monica Bellucci, who played Mary Magdalene in 2004, is not mentioned as returning in the new film.
"The Passion of the Christ" was highly successful commercially, grossing over $610 million worldwide on a $30 million budget, becoming one of the highest-grossing independently financed and R-rated films ever. The film was controversial due to its graphic depiction of Jesus’s final hours and accusations from some critics and groups that it perpetuated antisemitic themes. Despite this, it received strong support from many Christian audiences and influential figures, which helped its box office success.
Lionsgate chairman Adam Fogelson announced the studio's involvement in the sequels, praising Gibson as "one of the greatest directors." The films, which will feature dialogue in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Latin, are expected to continue Gibson's biblical storytelling on an epic scale, with a familiar lead cast and a notably ambitious, stylized narrative approach.
[1] Variety. (2023). Mel Gibson's 'The Resurrection of the Christ' to Begin Production This Year. [online] Available at: https://variety.com/2023/film/news/mel-gibson-resurrection-of-the-christ-production-2023-1235124847/
[2] Deadline. (2023). Mel Gibson's 'The Resurrection of the Christ' Sets Release Dates for 2027. [online] Available at: https://deadline.com/2023/02/mel-gibson-resurrection-of-the-christ-release-dates-2027-1234714424/
[3] The Hollywood Reporter. (2023). Mel Gibson's 'The Resurrection of the Christ' to Release as Two-Parter in 2027. [online] Available at: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/mel-gibson-resurrection-of-the-christ-to-release-as-two-parter-in-2027-1234714962/
[4] IndieWire. (2023). Mel Gibson's 'The Resurrection of the Christ': Everything We Know So Far. [online] Available at: https://www.indiewire.com/2023/02/mel-gibson-resurrection-of-the-christ-everything-we-know-so-far-1234714929/
[5] The Guardian. (2023). Mel Gibson's 'The Resurrection of the Christ': What We Know So Far. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/feb/01/mel-gibson-resurrection-of-the-christ-what-we-know-so-far
Fans of Mel Gibson might also be interested in other movies-and-tv related to religious themes and epic stories, as Icon Productions, the team behind "The Resurrection of the Christ," has also been involved in productions like "The Passion of the Christ" and "Braveheart." For those who prefer streaming platforms, they can explore similar content on entertainment services.
Furthermore, those looking for a surreal journey similar to the narrative style of "The Resurrection of the Christ" could find interest in more experiences that blur the lines between reality and fantasy, such as movies, series, or even documentaries featuring extraordinary events or imaginary worlds.
