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Mel Gibson’s long-awaited sequel to The Passion of the Christ is finally moving forward, but with a major change in casting.

According to Page Six, the film will begin shooting in Rome with an entirely new cast. Jim Caviezel, who famously played Jesus in the 2004 original, will not return, and Monica Bellucci will not reprise her role as Mary Magdalene.

A source close to the project told Page Six, “They’re [currently] meeting with actors [in Rome].”

Another insider explained the decision to recast: “They’d [have had] to do a lot of work with the [original] actors… digital stuff, plus the scheduling.” They added that the film has been in pre-production for a couple of months and that there has been “a lot of back and forth.”

The sequel, now titled The Resurrection of the Christ, has been in development for years. Gibson and writer Randall Wallace began working on it in 2016, focusing on the events surrounding Jesus’ resurrection.

Caviezel previously said in 2020 that the film would be called The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection and predicted, “It’s going to be the biggest film in world history.”

Over the years, the project faced delays due in part to Gibson’s personal controversies. His DUI and resurfacing antisemitic and homophobic remarks caused Hollywood studios to distance themselves, and talent agency WME dropped him in 2010 after leaked recordings of him making misogynistic and racist comments.

Gibson has described two versions of the script: one structured and strong, and the other more experimental. In September 2024, he reportedly began scouting locations in Europe. During a January appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, Gibson confirmed the film’s title as The Resurrection of the Christ and said CGI and special effects would be used to help actors appear the same age as in the original.

Lionsgate is co-producing and distributing the film, which will be released in two parts. Part One is scheduled for Good Friday, March 26, 2027, and Part Two will follow on Ascension Day, May 6, 2027.

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