Mel Gibson’s “The Resurrection of the Christ” Wraps Principal Photography

Mel Gibson’s sequel, The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One, finished principal photography on 30 April 2026 after a seven-month shoot that began on 6 October 2025. Filming occurred at Rome’s Cinecittà Studios and on location across southern Italy, including Matera, Ginosa, Brindisi, Craco, Gravina in Puglia and Torre Guaceto. The production used a new cast, cinematographer Robrecht Heyvaert, and visual-effects work, reflecting a combined budget of roughly $250 million.

First Look at Jaakko Ohtonen as Jesus in Mel Gibson’s ‘The Resurrection of the Christ’ Has People Talking

The 2004 film The Passion of the Christ earned $610 million worldwide on a $30 million budget, becoming one of the most commercially successful independent films. Gibson’s sequel aims to depict Christ’s resurrection and a supernatural journey, which he described as a “metaphysical ‘acid trip’” exploring biblical gaps. Replacing the entire principal cast underscores a fresh creative direction.

Mel Gibson’s The Resurrection of the Christ Officially Wraps Filming

Mel Gibson directs, co-writes with Randall Wallace, and produces via Icon Productions. The cast includes Jaakko Ohtonen as Jesus (replacing Jim Caviezel), Mariela Garriga as Mary Magdalene (succeeding Monica Bellucci), Kasia Smutniak as Mary, Riccardo Scamarcio as Pontius Pilate, and Rupert Everett as Abraham. Adam Fogelson chairs Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, and Robrecht Heyvaert serves as cinematographer, succeeding Caleb Deschanel.

First Look at Jaakko Ohtonen as Jesus in Mel Gibson’s ‘The Resurrection of the Christ’ Has People Talking

• Combined production budget: ? $250 million; each part $100-125 million.

First Set Images Show Jaakko Ohtonen as Jesus in Mel Gibson’s Passion Sequel

• Release schedule: Part One on Good Friday, 26 March 2027; Part Two on Ascension Day, 6 May 2027 (40 days later).

First Set Images Show Jaakko Ohtonen as Jesus in Mel Gibson’s Passion Sequel

• Original film budget: $30 million; worldwide gross: $610 million.

First Set Images Show Jaakko Ohtonen as Jesus in Mel Gibson’s Passion Sequel

Lionsgate’s Adam Fogelson called the sequel “the most anticipated theatrical event in a generation.” Gibson has publicly framed the project as a “metaphysical acid trip,” emphasizing its departure from traditional gospel narratives. The studio highlighted the alignment of release dates with the Christian liturgical calendar.

First Look at Jaakko Ohtonen as Jesus in Mel Gibson’s ‘The Resurrection of the Christ’ Has People Talking

Behind-the-scenes footage released by Verité Vision shows Jaakko Ohtonen hugging crew members, with visible nail-hole makeup on his hands—a visual nod to the crucifixion. Cast and crew celebrated the final day with smiles and cheers, indicating a positive production atmosphere.

First Set Images Show Jaakko Ohtonen as Jesus in Mel Gibson’s Passion Sequel

Sources differ on the exact list of southern-Italian locations: some mention Matera, Ginosa, Brindisi, Craco, while others add Gravina in Puglia and Torre Guaceto. Detailed plot elements, particularly the nature of the supernatural sequences, remain undisclosed.

First Look at Jaakko Ohtonen as Jesus in Mel Gibson’s ‘The Resurrection of the Christ’ Has People Talking

• “For many, many people across the globe, The Resurrection of the Christ is the most anticipated theatrical event in a generation,” — Adam Fogelson, Chair, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group

Mel Gibson’s The Resurrection of the Christ Officially Wraps Filming

• “Mel is one of the greatest directors of our time… this project is both deeply personal to him and the perfect showcase for his talents.” — (source unspecified)

Mel Gibson’s The Resurrection of the Christ Officially Wraps Filming

• “acid trip” — Mel Gibson, Director

Mel Gibson’s The Resurrection of the Christ Officially Wraps Filming