Upcoming Jesus films by Mel Gibson scheduled for spring of 2027
Mel Gibson is set to return to the director's chair with a highly anticipated sequel to his 2004 film, "The Passion of the Christ." Entitled "The Resurrection of the Christ," the two-part epic is scheduled for release in 2027, with the first part premiering on Good Friday (March 25, 2027) and the second part following 40 days later on Ascension Day (May 6, 2027)[1][2].
The sequel will pick up where "The Passion of the Christ" left off, focusing on the 24 hours encompassing Jesus' passion and the three days between his crucifixion and resurrection. It will also cover Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances and the related fallout in Rome[1][4]. Jim Caviezel, who played Jesus in the original film, is set to reprise his role, with digital de-aging used to maintain his character's age during the story[2].
"The Passion of the Christ" was a controversial yet commercially successful film, grossing over $612 million worldwide. Gibson, who won two Oscars for the historical epic "Braveheart" in 1996, for Best Director and Best Picture, has been working on the screenplay for the sequel since 2016, with multiple drafts written in collaboration with his brother Donal and screenwriter Randall Wallace[1]. Production is set to begin soon in Rome.
Gibson's previous directorial effort, "Hacksaw Ridge," was released in 2017 and earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Director. Meanwhile, Caviezel has been busy with other projects, most recently starring in Mark Wahlberg's "Flight Risk," which was released in February[5].
The original "The Passion of the Christ" was criticized for its graphic violence and some perceived it as antisemitic. However, it was a commercial success despite its R rating, which is unusual for a subtitled film[6]. Lionsgate, the studio behind the sequels, praised Gibson as "one of the greatest directors"[7].
The sequels to "The Passion of the Christ" are set to begin production in Europe later this year[8]. As the release date approaches, fans of Gibson and the original film are eagerly awaiting more details about this long-awaited follow-up.
[1] Variety [2] Deadline [3] The Hollywood Reporter [4] The Wrap [5] IMDb [6] Box Office Mojo [7] Lionsgate [8] The Guardian
The sequel, "The Resurrection of the Christ," will follow the highly anticipated continuing saga that focuses on both the 24 hours encompassing Jesus' passion and the three days between his crucifixion and resurrection, as well as Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances in the world of movies-and-tv, providing an epic for entertainment lovers. Fans eagerly look forward to its release in 2027, especially its premier on Good Friday, contributing to the widespread excitement surrounding this sequel in the entertainment industry.
