Mel Gibson’s The Resurrection of Christ Reportedly Carries a Jaw-Dropping Budget
Mel Gibson is preparing to return to biblical storytelling on a scale rarely seen in Hollywood. According to new reports, his upcoming project The Resurrection of Christ will come with an enormous price tag, with the total budget expected to pass $250 million. The story will be told across two separate films, each costing roughly $125 million.
Sources close to the production say the high cost comes from the film’s heavy use of visual effects, large-scale sets, and advanced camera work, including IMAX. The movie will not focus only on events after the crucifixion.
It is expected to show spiritual battles, angels and demons, and Jesus’ descent into hell. Gibson has described the project as an “acid trip”, hinting at how intense and unusual the film will be.
Lionsgate is backing the release and plans to push the movie into premium theaters. The studio is clearly betting big on the film’s reach and impact. The first part is set to arrive in theaters on March 26, 2027, with the second part following soon after on May 6, 2027.
🚨 Breaking, Mel Gibson’s The Resurrection of Christ is shaping up like the Christian Avengers: Endgame.
— Movies Scenes 🎫 (@SceneinCinema) December 30, 2025
New reports say the project will cost $250M+, split into two films, each around $125M. And now we know why — massive VFX, IMAX cameras, battles between angels and demons, and… pic.twitter.com/C0p4XeDbJM
The Resurrection of Christ is a sequel to The Passion of the Christ from 2004 and will be the second chapter in a planned trilogy. Mel Gibson directed the film and co-wrote the script with Randall Wallace, using a story he developed with his brother Donal Gibson. Gibson is also producing the project alongside Bruce Davey.
This time, the film features an entirely new cast. Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen has been chosen to play Jesus, replacing Jim Caviezel. Mariela Garriga will appear as Mary Magdalene. Other roles include Kasia Smutniak as Mary, the mother of Jesus, Pier Luigi Pasino as Peter, and Riccardo Scamarcio as Pontius Pilate.
Rupert Everett has also joined the cast in a role that has not yet been revealed. Reports previously confirmed that Caviezel and Monica Bellucci exited the project due to scheduling issues and the high cost of using de-aging effects.
Filming began in October and is taking place mainly at Cinecittà Studios in Rome. Additional scenes are being shot in several historic locations across Italy. Production on both films is happening at the same time, which also adds to the overall cost.
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