Mel Gibson’s Bold Move: The Passion of the Christ Sequel Recasts Every Role, Splits Story Into Two Epic Films

Two decades after shocking audiences worldwide, Mel Gibson is resurrecting his biblical saga with The Resurrection of the Christ — but this time, none of the original cast is returning. The upcoming film will shoot in Rome with a brand-new lineup, and it’s been revealed that the story will unfold across two separate releases in 2027.

Mel Gibson’s long-anticipated sequel to his 2004 phenomenon The Passion of the Christ is heading in a surprising direction. Rather than reuniting the cast that helped make the first movie a cultural milestone, Gibson and his team are opting for a complete recast. Reports from Page Six confirm that neither Jim Caviezel nor Monica Bellucci will reprise their roles as Jesus and Mary Magdalene, respectively. A source close to the production revealed: “They’re currently meeting with actors in Rome. Working with the original cast would have required a ton of digital work and scheduling adjustments. It was just too complicated.”

The original Passion of the Christ was one of the most controversial yet profitable films of all time, grossing $610 million worldwide on a modest $30 million budget. Its sequel, The Resurrection of the Christ, has spent nearly two decades in development limbo due to Gibson’s personal controversies and shifting industry trends. Still, expectations remain high that this new take will once again ignite debate—and fill theaters.

The Resurrection of the Christ to Be Released in Two Parts

According to recent updates, Gibson’s latest biblical project won’t stop at one movie. The Resurrection of the Christ Part One will premiere on March 26, 2027—Good Friday—while Part Two will follow on May 6, 2027, coinciding with Ascension Day. Production was initially set to begin earlier this year but has been delayed to finalize the new cast.

Whether audiences still have an appetite for another retelling of Jesus Christ’s story remains uncertain, but Lionsgate is betting on Gibson’s ability to provoke interest and controversy alike. In an era where streaming dominates, Gibson’s gamble to bring faith-based spectacle back to cinemas could either resurrect his box office glory or mark another fall from grace. Either way, The Resurrection of the Christ will get people talking long before its release.

Source: MovieWeb