(Image: Newmarket Films)
Mel Gibson is back in the director's chair for his sequel to "The Passion of the Christ," a two-part epic titled "The Resurrection of the Christ," which has officially begun filming in Rome. It has also been confirmed that the sequel has recast its lead roles, opting for a new lineup of actors. As the project prepares to be shopped to international distributors at next month's American Film Market, its unexpectedly massive production budget has been revealed.
Industry outlet Deadline exclusively reports that the total cost for filming both installments of "The Resurrection of the Christ" has reached a staggering $200 million, averaging about $100 million per film. This represents a more than six-fold increase from the original film's lean $30 million budget, a jump that is sure to raise eyebrows.
(Image: Newmarket Films)
While the plot of "The Resurrection of the Christ" is still under wraps, Gibson has previously teased that the two sequels will feature numerous "psychedelic" sequences depicting Jesus's journey through Hell and the fall of angels—a concept that implies heavy use of costly CGI. Sources for Deadline also indicate the film will feature large-scale battle sequences between angels and demons, as well as conflicts between good and evil in other realms, making the budget surge understandable.
Gibson had also previously mentioned that, to avoid the narrative complexity that might arise for audiences, "The Resurrection of the Christ" would likely be filmed in English, moving away from the first film's commitment to historical accuracy with Aramaic and Hebrew dialogue. Deadline has now confirmed that the production has indeed switched to English.
(Image: Newmarket Films)
The first part of "The Resurrection of the Christ" is scheduled for release on March 26, 2027—Good Friday—with the second part following 40 days later on May 6, 2027, which is Ascension Day. Gibson co-wrote the screenplays for both films with Randall Wallace, the veteran writer-director with whom he previously collaborated on "We Were Soldiers" and "Braveheart."
The cast has been completely overhauled. Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen ("Vikings: Valhalla") takes over the role of Jesus from Jim Caviezel. Cuban actress Mariela Garriga ("Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning") will portray Mary Magdalene, a role originated by Monica Bellucci. Polish actress Kasia Smutniak succeeds Maia Morgenstern as Mary. Other new faces include Italian actor Pier Luigi Pasino as Peter and Italian actor Riccardo Scamarcio as Pontius Pilate, cementing a full recasting for the sequel.
via： Deadline