Mel Gibson’s “Jesus” to Premiere in Two Parts

Mel Gibson Announces ‘Passion of the Christ: Resurrection’ – Two-Part Epic Set for 2027 Release

ROME, ITALY – August 7, 2025 – Mel Gibson is revisiting one of cinema’s most controversial and commercially successful films with The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection, a two-part sequel focusing on the resurrection of jesus Christ. Lionsgate announced today the ambitious project is slated for release on Good Friday, March 26, 2027, with the second installment arriving 40 days later, on may 6, coinciding with the celebration of the Ascension.

The original Passion of the Christ, released in 2004 and starring Jim Caviezel as Jesus, Monica Bellucci as Mary Magdalene, and Maia Morgenstern as Mary, depicted the final twelve hours of Christ’s life leading up to the crucifixion. It became a cultural phenomenon, earning over $610 million worldwide on a modest $30 million budget and, until recently, holding the record for the highest-grossing R-rated film in North America – a title now held by Deadpool & Wolverine.Resurrection promises to continue Gibson’s intensely visual and dramatic storytelling. the first part will face competition from an untitled Warner Bros. film, while the second will go head-to-head with the highly anticipated The Legend of Zelda adaptation.

Gibson co-wrote the screenplay with Benedict Fitzgerald and will also direct. Filming is expected to begin in the coming weeks, primarily at Cinecittà Studios in Rome, with potential location shoots in the Southern Italian regions of Matera, Ginosa, Gravina in Puglia, and Altamura – areas known for their unique rock-hewn churches.

Gibson’s production company,Icon Productions,will collaborate with Lionsgate on the project,building on their previous successful partnerships on films like Hacksaw Ridge starring Andrew Garfield and Flight Risk featuring Mark Wahlberg.

The proclamation signals Gibson’s return to large-scale biblical epics and a clear attempt to recapture the phenomenal success of the original Passion of the Christ. The film received three Academy Award nominations – for Best makeup, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Soundtrack – and remains a meaningful touchstone in contemporary religious cinema.

How might the decision to release “Jesus” in two parts affect audience engagement and critical reception compared to a single-film release?

The Epic Retelling: A Divided Narrative

Mel Gibson’s long-awaited and highly anticipated film, simply titled “Jesus,” is set to premiere in two distinct parts, a decision announced earlier this week. This aspiring project,years in the making,promises a comprehensive and deeply personal portrayal of the life of Jesus Christ. The split release is intended to allow for a more nuanced and detailed exploration of the biblical narrative, avoiding the constraints of a single, overly-long film. Initial reports suggest the first part will focus on Jesus’s birth through his ministry, while the second will cover the Passion, crucifixion, and resurrection.

Production Details & Filming Locations

Filming for “Jesus” has been underway for over a year, utilizing locations across Israel, Italy, and Morocco to authentically recreate the past setting of first-century Judea. Gibson has reportedly invested heavily in historical accuracy, consulting with theologians, historians, and archaeologists to ensure a faithful portrayal of the period.

Language: The film will primarily be shot in Aramaic, Hebrew, and Latin, with subtitles for wider accessibility. This linguistic choice aims to enhance the film’s authenticity and immerse viewers in the world of the New Testament.

cast: While casting announcements have been deliberately sparse, confirmed actors include Willem Dafoe in a supporting role and relatively unknown actors chosen for their physical resemblance to figures described in historical texts.

Visual Style: Sources close to the production describe a visual style that leans towards realism, eschewing excessive special effects in favor of practical sets and costumes. This approach echoes Gibson’s previous work, particularly The Passion of the Christ.

Part One: The Early Years & ministry

The first installment, slated for release in early 2026, will chronicle Jesus’s humble beginnings, his upbringing in Nazareth, and the emergence of his ministry. Key scenes expected to be featured include:

1. The Annunciation and the birth of Jesus.
2. John the Baptist’s ministry and the baptism of Jesus.
3. Jesus’s early miracles and the gathering of his disciples.
4. The Sermon on the Mount and the core teachings of Jesus.

This section of the film will emphasize the human side of Jesus,portraying him as a compassionate teacher and healer who challenged the social and religious norms of his time. The focus will be on establishing the context for his later suffering and sacrifice. Expect significant exploration of biblical accuracy and historical Jesus scholarship.

Part Two: The Passion & Resurrection – A Deeper Dive

The second part, anticipated for a late 2026 release, will delve into the events leading up to Jesus’s crucifixion and his subsequent resurrection. This portion of the film is expected to be emotionally intense and visually striking, building upon the groundwork laid in the first installment.

The Last Supper: A pivotal scene depicting the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples.

The Betrayal & Arrest: The events surrounding Judas Iscariot’s betrayal and Jesus’s arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.

The Trial & Crucifixion: A detailed and harrowing depiction of Jesus’s trial before Pontius Pilate and his crucifixion.

The Resurrection: The climactic scene depicting Jesus’s resurrection, offering a message of hope and redemption.

Gibson has indicated that this second part will be particularly focused on the theological implications of the Passion, exploring themes of forgiveness, sacrifice, and divine love. The crucifixion of Jesus will be a central element, handled with sensitivity and respect.

Controversy & Expectations

Given Gibson’s past controversies and the sensitive nature of the subject matter, “Jesus” has already generated significant debate. Some religious leaders have expressed concerns about potential misinterpretations or sensationalism, while others have welcomed the project as a potential opportunity to reach a wider audience with the Gospel message.

Past Films: Gibson’s previous film, The Passion of the Christ (2004), sparked controversy for its graphic depiction of violence. This has led to heightened scrutiny of “Jesus” and expectations for a more balanced and nuanced portrayal.

Theological Consultation: Gibson has actively sought input from theologians and religious scholars throughout the production process, aiming to address potential concerns and ensure theological accuracy.

Box Office Potential: Despite the controversy,industry analysts predict that “Jesus” has the potential to be a major box office success,appealing to both religious audiences and those interested in historical dramas. Mel Gibson movies consistently draw large crowds.

Impact on faith-Based Films & Cinematic Trends

The release of “Jesus” is expected to have a significant impact on the faith-based film industry. It represents a ample investment in a genre that has often been overlooked by mainstream Hollywood.

Increased Production: The success of “Jesus” could encourage other filmmakers to explore religious themes and stories.

Higher Budgets: The film’s large budget could set a new standard for faith-based productions.

wider distribution: The film’s distribution through major studios could open doors for other faith-based films to reach wider audiences. The faith-based film market* is growing rapidly.