Mel Gibson Casts New Jesus and Mary Magdalene in Resurrection of the Christ Revamp
Mel Gibson’s longstanding project, “The Resurrection of the Christ,” has recently commenced production in Rome. This film follows his 2004 blockbuster “The Passion of the Christ.” Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen has been cast in the leading role of Jesus, taking over from Jim Caviezel.
Production Details
Shooting began last week at Cinecittà Studios. This venue is historically significant, as it hosted the original film two decades ago. “The Passion of the Christ” became one of the highest-grossing independent films, earning $610 million worldwide.
Cast Changes
- Jesus: Jaakko Ohtonen
- Mary Magdalene: Mariela Garriga
- Mary: Kasia Smutniak
- Peter: Pier Luigi Pasino
- Pontius Pilate: Riccardo Scamarcio
- Additional Role: Rupert Everett
Mariela Garriga is known for her role in “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning,” while Kasia Smutniak starred in “Domina.”
Film Structure and Release Schedule
The film will be divided into two parts. “The Resurrection of the Christ Part One” is set for release on March 26, 2027, coinciding with Good Friday. Part Two will follow 40 days later on Ascension Day, May 6, 2027. Lionsgate will be responsible for distributing both films in theaters.
Reason for Recasing
According to sources, the decision to recast the entire film was driven by its specific timeline. The narrative unfolds three days after Christ’s crucifixion, which necessitated a fresh casting approach. This avoids the expensive digital de-aging methods that would have been required for returning actors.
Production Locations
In addition to Cinecittà, the film will be shot in the ancient town of Matera in southern Italy. Other filming locations include rural areas such as Ginosa, Gravina Laterza, and Altamura.
A Unique Story Experience
The scripts for “The Resurrection of the Christ” were co-written by Gibson and Randall Wallace, who also worked on “Braveheart.” Gibson has described the sequels as an “acid trip,” emphasizing their unique narrative style.
As more details emerge, the anticipation surrounding this sequel continues to grow, promising an engaging depiction of one of history’s most significant events.
