Mel Gibson’s long-anticipated film The Resurrection of the Christ has officially entered production, marking his first return to biblical storytelling since The Passion of the Christ became a cultural phenomenon two decades ago.
The cast for the film has been revealed, with Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen set to play Jesus Christ and Cuban actress Mariela Garriga taking on the role of Mary Magdalene.
The movie began filming recently at Cinecittà Studios in Rome, Italy. Gibson’s latest production will be released in two parts, with the first set to hit theaters in early spring 2027.
Both Ohtonen and Garriga are new to Gibson’s biblical universe. Ohtonen replaces Passion star Jim Caviezel, while Garriga steps into the role originally portrayed by Italian actress Monica Bellucci.
Ohtonen, 36, is best known for his role as Wolland in Netflix’s The Last Kingdom. Garriga, also 36, appeared in recent Mission: Impossible films as Marie.
The 2004 original was one of the highest-grossing independent movies of all time, earning over $610 million worldwide. Like the first film, Resurrection of the Christ is being shot at the same legendary Roman studio.
A source close to production told Variety that the decision to recast was practical.
“It made sense to recast the whole film,” the source said, explaining that two decades had passed since the first movie’s release.
“They would have had to do all this CGI stuff, all this digital stuff — de-aging and all that — that would have been very costly,” the source added.
The supporting cast also brings a mix of international talent. Polish-born actress Kasia Smutniak will play Mary, replacing Maia Morgenstern, and Italian actor Pier Luigi Pasino will portray Peter.
Pontius Pilate will be played by Riccardo Scamarcio, a 45-year-old Italian actor, while British star Rupert Everett will appear in a yet-undisclosed but important role.
Australian producer Bruce Davey, Gibson’s longtime collaborator, is once again joining him on the project. The production is taking advantage of historic locations across southern Italy, including Matera, Ginosa, Gravina Laterza, and Altamura.
The film is being described as Gibson’s most ambitious project yet, with sweeping landscapes, ancient architecture, and the same level of authenticity that made The Passion of the Christ so powerful.
Part One of The Resurrection of the Christ will be released by Lionsgate on March 26, 2027 — fittingly, Good Friday. Part Two will follow 40 days later, on May 6, aligning with Ascension Day.
Gibson has remained tight-lipped about the storyline but hinted in past interviews that the film would explore not just the resurrection of Jesus, but the spiritual and political turmoil that followed.
Fans of The Passion of the Christ have waited more than twenty years for a sequel. With filming now underway, anticipation is building fast — and Gibson appears ready to deliver another cinematic moment rooted in faith, sacrifice, and redemption.
