Mel Gibson’s ‘Passion of the Christ’ Sequel Loses Its Jesus

Mel Gibson’s long-awaited sequel to The Passion of the Christ is finally moving forward, but with a major change: the film will feature a completely new cast, insiders tell Page Six. Filming is set to begin in Rome, though details about the full cast are still being finalized.

Jim Caviezel, who famously played Jesus in the 2004 original, will not return, and Monica Bellucci will also be absent from the role of Mary Magdalene.

A source close to the production said the decision to recast was partly due to scheduling conflicts and the technical challenges of using digital effects to make the original actors appear younger.

The sequel, now officially titled The Resurrection of the Christ, has been in development for years.

Gibson and writer Randall Wallace first began work on the project in 2016, with the story focusing on the events surrounding Jesus’ resurrection.

Over the years, the project faced delays due to Gibson’s personal controversies, including a DUI and the resurfacing of offensive remarks, which led Hollywood studios to distance themselves from the director.

Gibson has described the script as having two versions: one straightforward and structured, and another more experimental. This year, during an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, Gibson confirmed the film’s title and discussed using CGI and other special effects to help actors appear as they did during the original film.

Lionsgate is co-producing and distributing the film, which is planned as a two-part series. The first part is scheduled to release on Good Friday, March 26, 2027, with the second part following on Ascension Day, May 6, 2027.

Recasting such iconic roles is a bold move, but it may help the project move forward without being slowed down by technical or scheduling challenges. Gibson’s vision for the sequel has been delayed for years, so this fresh start could give the story a new energy.

What do you think about the recasting of Jesus and Mary Magdalene? Are you excited for The Resurrection of the Christ? Share your thoughts in the comments.