Lionsgate Unveils Sequel to 2004 Blockbuster The Passion of the Christ
Hollywood director Mel Gibson has shared the first look at his long-awaited sequel to the 2004 biblical drama The Passion of the Christ, titled The Resurrection of the Christ, which will be released in two parts in 2027 and 2028.
Filming wrapped after 134 days across multiple Italian locations, including Rome, Bari, Ginosa, Craco, Brindisi, Torre Guaceto, and Matera. Gibson, 70, described the project as “a major part of my life’s work” and said it demanded everything from him “as a filmmaker and as an artist.”
“I’m deeply grateful to my incredibly talented cast and crew for pouring their hearts into this production. Together, we created something powerful,” Gibson said. “This is far more than a film to me. It’s a mission I’ve carried for over 20 years to tell what I believe is the most important story in human history.”
Star-Studded Cast Brings Biblical Story to Life
The films will star Jaakko Ohtonen as Jesus, alongside Mariela Garriga, Pier Luigi Pasino, Kasia Smutniak, Riccardo Scamarcio, and Rupert Everett. Gibson reunited with many collaborators from the original film to bring his vision to the screen, supported by Lionsgate executives, including Adam Fogelson.
Part One of the sequel is set to release on May 6, 2027, and Part Two will follow on May 25, 2028. Both release dates coincide with Ascension Day, a Christian holiday commemorating Jesus’ ascension into heaven.
Revisiting the Original Classic
The Passion of the Christ, starring Jim Caviezel as Jesus and Monica Bellucci as Mary Magdalene, became a global phenomenon upon its release. The 2004 blockbuster earned $370 million in North America and more than $610 million worldwide, making it the fifth-highest-grossing film globally that year. It received Academy Award nominations for Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, and Best Makeup.
Gibson’s original film remains the second-highest-grossing R-rated film in North America, behind 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine.
A Sequel That Expands the Story
Unlike its predecessor, the two-part sequel will cover much more than the resurrection of Jesus. Gibson told EWTN in 2022 that the narrative is “not linear” and will explore the central event in context with past and future events, and even “other realms,” adding a slightly sci-fi dimension to the biblical story.
“This is a huge subject,” he said. “You have to juxtapose the central event that I’m trying to tell with everything else around it in the future, in the past, and in other realms.”
Gibson emphasized that the films are a personal mission, one he has carried for over two decades, and described the project as the culmination of a lifetime dedicated to telling this story.
Global Anticipation Builds
Lionsgate’s first look release has already generated excitement among fans and moviegoers worldwide. With its epic scale, international cast, and ambitious storytelling, The Resurrection of the Christ promises to be a cinematic event for 2027 and 2028.
