Mel Gibson’s ‘The Resurrection of the Christ’ Will Hit Theaters in Two Parts, Lionsgate Confirms with First Teaser Released
Back in June 2016, writer Randall Wallace revealed that he and Mel Gibson had started working on a sequel to The Passion of the Christ. This new film would focus on the Resurrection of Jesus and the events surrounding it. By 2018, actor Jim Caviezel, who played Jesus in the original movie, shared that Gibson had sent him the third draft of the screenplay.
A couple of years later, in 2020, Caviezel talked about the film’s title, The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection, and confidently predicted, “It’s going to be the biggest film in world history.”
Fast forward to July 2023, Gibson said the sequel was “coming soon.” He also mentioned working on two versions of the script, describing one as “a very structured and very strong script, and kind of more what one should expect,” while the other was “like an acid trip.” By September 2024, Gibson was reportedly scouting locations across Europe with his production team, getting things ready for filming.
In January 2025, Gibson went on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast to officially announce the film’s new title, The Resurrection of the Christ. When Joe Rogan asked if the lead role would be recast, Gibson confirmed that Caviezel would return.
To keep Caviezel looking the same age as in the original movie, Gibson said they would use CGI and special effects. Later in May 2025, the title was officially confirmed, with Lionsgate joining as co-producer and distributor.
Lionsgate revealed in August 2025 that the movie will be released in two parts. The first part will hit theaters on Good Friday, March 26, 2027, and the second part will come out on Ascension Day, May 6, 2027.
“For many, many people across the globe, ‘The Resurrection of the Christ’ is the most anticipated theatrical event in a generation. It is also an awe-inspiring and spectacularly epic theatrical film that is going to leave moviegoers worldwide breathless,” Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, previously said in a statement. “Mel is one of the greatest directors of our time, and this project is both deeply personal to him and the perfect showcase for his talents as a filmmaker. My relationship with Mel and Bruce dates back 30 years, and I am thrilled to be partnering with them once again on this landmark event for audiences.“
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