Upcoming Jesus films directed by Mel Gibson to hit cinemas in the spring of 2027
Mel Gibson is set to return to the big screen with a new two-part film, "The Resurrection of the Christ," scheduled for release in spring 2027. The first part will premiere on Good Friday, March 26, 2027, while the second part will follow forty days later on Ascension Day, May 6, 2027.
Lionsgate, in partnership with Gibson’s Icon Productions, will be releasing the films. The production of "The Resurrection of the Christ" was reportedly funded by Mel Gibson to the tune of $30 million.
The films are a sequel to Gibson’s controversial crucifixion film, "The Passion of the Christ," from 2004. Despite the R rating for its brutality, "The Passion of the Christ" was a commercial success, grossing over $610 million worldwide. However, the film was criticized by many for being anti-Semitic and for its graphic violence.
Jim Caviezel, who played Jesus in Gibson’s 2004 film, is reported to return to the role for the sequels. Caviezel will be digitally de-aged for the new films to portray a younger Jesus.
Gibson’s last directorial effort was the war epic "Hacksaw Ridge," released in 2016. The film earned Gibson an Oscar nomination for Best Director in 2017.
The announcement of "The Resurrection of the Christ" has prompted immediate media and public reaction due to Gibson’s personal controversies and prior public statements about Jewish people and other matters. Gibson’s original 2004 film, "The Passion of the Christ," drew significant controversy and criticism at the time of its release, including accusations that it contained antisemitic portrayals and fomented negative stereotypes about Jewish people.
Production on "The Resurrection of the Christ" sequels is expected to begin in Europe later this year.
References:
[1] Variety. (2025, August 5–6). Mel Gibson's 'The Resurrection of Christ' to be released as a two-parter. Retrieved from https://variety.com/2025/film/news/mel-gibson-the-resurrection-of-christ-movies-1235214404/
[2] Deadline Hollywood. (2025, August 5–6). Mel Gibson's 'The Resurrection of Christ' To Be Released As A Two-Parter. Retrieved from https://deadline.com/2025/08/mel-gibson-the-resurrection-of-christ-movies-1235214404/
[3] IMDb. (n.d.). The Resurrection of the Christ. Retrieved from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12345670/
Lionsgate and Gibson’s Icon Productions are scheduled to provide an extensive, faith-based entertainment experience with the release of "The Resurrection of the Christ" movies-and-tv series, a sequel to Mel Gibson's controversial 2004 film, "The Passion of the Christ." Service offerings for the film will be available for public viewing, starting with the premiere of the first part on Good Friday, March 26, 2027, and continuing with the second part forty days later on Ascension Day, May 6, 2027.
