Mel Gibson has begun production on “The Resurrection of the Christ”, the highly anticipated sequel to “The Passion of the Christ”, featuring a new actor in the role of Jesus, which was played by Jim Caviezel in the 2004 film.
Filming began last week at the Cinecittà Studios in Rome, with the main cast completely revamped. For the leading role, Gibson cast Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen.
According to a report from Entertainment Weekly, Caviezel, who is 57 years old, would have needed to be digitally de-aged for the film, which depicts events three days after Christ’s crucifixion on Good Friday. This led to the decision to recast the role.
The role of Mary Magdalene, originally played by Monica Bellucci, will now be taken on by Cuban actress Mariela Garriga, while Polish actress Kasia Smutniak will replace Maia Morgenstern as Mary, the mother of Jesus.
The cast also includes Pier Luigi Pasino as Peter, Riccardo Scamarcio as Pontius Pilate, and Rupert Everett in an as-yet undisclosed role.
More than 20 years ago, Gibson directed “The Passion of the Christ”, which became one of the highest-grossing independent films of all time, earning more than $600 million worldwide.
The sequel will be divided into two parts: the first is set to premiere in theaters on Good Friday, March 26, 2027, while the second part of “The Resurrection of the Christ” is scheduled for Thursday, May 6 of the same year, on Ascension Day.
Images: Newmarket Films, Instagram @jaakkoohtonen. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
