Mel Gibson Reveals Why ‘Passion of the Christ’ Sequel Will Be Two Films After 8 Years

May 19, 2025

Mel Gibson reveals that the long-awaited sequel to his epic biblical drama, The Passion of the Christ, titled The Resurrection of Christ, has faced an extensive creative process, with the script taking eight years to write. The director, speaking at Fan Expo Philadelphia, shared insights into the complexities of the subject, stating that it’s "almost impossible to understand" without extensive theological context. He hinted that the story might expand into two films due to its grand scope. Gibson emphasized the depth behind Christ’s resurrection, exploring the larger narrative of good and evil and mankind’s intrinsic importance in this epic saga.

Filming, in collaboration with Lionsgate, is set to begin in summer 2024, positioning the sequel for a possible 2026 release. Jim Caviezel is expected to reprise his role as Jesus, potentially utilizing advanced de-aging technology to maintain continuity from the original film. Gibson’s approach aims to transcend traditional storytelling, focusing on a philosophical discourse about salvation, rather than merely recounting events. The original film garnered significant success, grossing over $612 million, making expectations high for this sequel.

FAQ

1. What is the title of Mel Gibson’s sequel to The Passion of the Christ?
The sequel is titled The Resurrection of Christ.

2. How long did it take Mel Gibson to write the script for the sequel?
It took Mel Gibson eight years to write the sequel’s script due to its complexity.

3. When is filming for The Resurrection of Christ expected to start?
Filming is anticipated to begin in summer 2024.

4. Will Jim Caviezel reprise his role in the sequel?
Yes, Jim Caviezel is expected to return as Jesus, potentially using de-aging technology.