Mel Gibson Collaborates with Excommunicated Archbishop for "The Resurrection of the Christ"

Mel Gibson is currently in production for "The Resurrection of the Christ," a sequel to his 2004 film "The Passion of the Christ." The film is being shot in various locations in Italy, including the ancient town of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Gibson has enlisted the help of excommunicated Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, who has been a controversial figure due to his outspoken criticism of Pope Francis and the modernizations of the Roman Catholic Church.

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Carlo Maria Viganò, the former Vatican ambassador to the United States, was excommunicated in 2024 for refusing to acknowledge Pope Francis' authority and for rejecting the Second Vatican Council. Viganò has publicly labeled Pope Francis as a "servant of Satan" and a "false prophet." Despite his excommunication, he retains his title as Archbishop and has been actively involved in the production of Gibson's film, reportedly providing input on its content.

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"The Resurrection of the Christ" is being produced by Gibson and Bruce Davey under their Icon Productions banner, with Lionsgate serving as the studio partner. The film is set to be released in two parts in 2027. The original film was notable for its use of Aramaic, Hebrew, and Latin, aiming for historical accuracy. Gibson has described the sequels as an "acid trip," indicating a unique narrative approach, and he co-wrote the scripts with Randall Wallace, known for his work on "Braveheart."

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The casting for "The Resurrection of the Christ" has seen significant changes from the original film. Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen is taking on the role of Jesus, replacing Jim Caviezel. Cuban actress Mariela Garriga will portray Mary Magdalene, a role previously held by Monica Bellucci, while Smutniak replaces Maia Morgenstern as Mary. The production employs over 500 crew members, reflecting the film's large budget and ambitious scope.

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While Gibson has not publicly commented on the specifics of Viganò's involvement, he previously defended the Archbishop following his excommunication. The collaboration has drawn attention due to Viganò's controversial views, particularly his alignment with conservative political figures and his stances on social issues.

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The partnership between Gibson and Viganò has sparked criticism from various quarters, particularly among those who oppose Viganò's views on Pope Francis and his controversial public statements. Critics argue that Viganò's involvement may influence the film's narrative in ways that could alienate some audiences.

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As production continues, anticipation builds for the release of "The Resurrection of the Christ" in 2027. The film's unique narrative approach and the involvement of a polarizing figure like Viganò will likely continue to generate discussion and debate within both religious and cinematic communities.

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