Mel Gibson is set to make a grand return to the cinematic world with his highly anticipated sequel to the 2004 blockbuster, The Passion of the Christ. The film, titled The Resurrection of the Christ, is scheduled to begin production in August 2025 at Rome's iconic Cinecittà Studios. Manuela Cacciamani, the CEO of Cinecittà, revealed the news during an interview with Italian financial daily Il Sole 24 Ore on March 26, 2025.
Cacciamani confirmed that the film will be shot entirely at Cinecittà, which has been a hub for numerous historic films. She stated, "I can confirm that the next film directed by Mel Gibson, produced by Icon Productions, The Resurrection of Christ, will be shot entirely in Cinecittà starting in August and requires many theaters and stage constructions." This announcement has generated excitement among fans and industry insiders alike, as Gibson's original film became the largest-grossing independent film of all time, raking in nearly $612 million worldwide.
Gibson has been vocal about the ambitious nature of the sequel, describing the script as akin to an "acid trip". During a recent appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast, he elaborated on the film's narrative, stating, "There’s a lot required because it’s an acid trip. I’ve never read anything like it." He explained that the screenplay, which he co-wrote with his brother and screenwriter Randall Wallace over a seven-year period, takes viewers on a journey from the fall of the angels to the death of the last apostle.
In terms of casting, Gibson plans to reintroduce Jim Caviezel in the role of Jesus Christ. Given that more than 20 years have passed since the release of The Passion of the Christ, Gibson will utilize CGI de-aging techniques to ensure Caviezel's appearance aligns with the character's age in the sequel. Gibson remarked, "It’s not going to be easy, and it’s going to require a lot of planning and I’m not wholly sure I can pull it off; to tell you the truth, it’s super ambitious." He added that he has been contemplating how to evoke powerful emotions through the film's depiction and cinematography.
In a 2022 interview with the National Catholic Register, Gibson mentioned that The Resurrection of the Christ would not follow a linear narrative. He stated, "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, and that’s kind of getting a little sci-fi out there." This unique storytelling approach has sparked intrigue about how Gibson will intertwine various elements of the narrative.
Alongside Caviezel, other cast members from the original film are expected to return. Maia Morgenstern, who portrayed Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Francesco De Vito, who played Peter, are also believed to be on board for the sequel. The production will not only take place in Cinecittà but is also expected to shoot in various ancient Southern Italian locations, including the historic towns of Matera, Ginosa, Gravina Laterza, and Altamura.
Gibson's original film, The Passion of the Christ, was met with both acclaim and controversy upon its release. While it was praised for its powerful storytelling and visual style, it also faced criticism for its portrayal of Jewish characters, leading to accusations of antisemitism. Despite the backlash, the film's success demonstrated a significant interest in faith-based narratives within Hollywood, paving the way for future projects in this genre.
As production gears up for The Resurrection of the Christ, Gibson's return to directing is being closely watched. He has hinted at the challenges that lie ahead, not just in terms of budget and logistics, but also in capturing the profound themes he aims to explore. "I think I have ideas about how to do that and how to evoke things and emotions in people from the way you depict it and the way you shoot it," he said.
Meanwhile, Cinecittà Studios is not only hosting Gibson's project but is also serving as a base for other high-profile films. Ridley Scott is currently using the studio for his latest film, and Cacciamani noted that projects from Disney and Universal are also in the works. This bustling activity at Cinecittà signals a resurgence of interest in film production in Italy, contributing to the country's rich cinematic legacy.
As the film industry prepares for Gibson's ambitious sequel, fans of The Passion of the Christ eagerly await further details about The Resurrection of the Christ. With a start date set for August 2025 and a narrative that promises to delve deeper into the spiritual and supernatural elements of the story, the film is poised to be a significant event in the realm of faith-based cinema.
