Full Breakdown
Mel Gibson’s “Passion of the Christ” Returns Ahead of Sequel Launch
7/4/2026, 2:18:40 AM
4K Re-release (Sept 10-17, 2026)
Lionsgate and Fathom Entertainment will release a 4K restoration of Gibson’s 2004 epic. Sept 10-17, 2026, tickets on sale July 24 via Fathom’s website and offices. Each showing includes a preview of sequel, “The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One.”
Background & Controversy
2004 film depicts twelve hours of Jesus of Nazareth in Aramaic, Hebrew and Latin. Jim Caviezel stars as Jesus; Monica Bellucci plays Mary Magdalene. It earned Academy Award nominations but faced criticism for violence and anti-Semitic accusations. U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops gave it an A-III rating for adults.
Financial & Cultural Data
Made on an estimated $30 million budget, the film grossed over $610 million worldwide. It held record for highest-grossing R-rated domestic release for two decades until Disney’s “Deadpool & Wolverine” broke it in 2024. Analysts credit it with launching faith-based filmmaking.
Official Statements & Distribution Plans
Lionsgate president Kevin Grayson said the restoration offers an experience for an audience, while Fathom’s CEO highlighted its significance and role in paving the way.
The sequel will debut in parts—“The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One” on May 6, 2027, and “Part Two” on May 25, 2028—on Ascension Day. Jaakko Ohtonen will play Jesus, with Mariela Garriga, Pier Luigi Pasino, Kasia Smutniak, Riccardo Scamarcio and Rupert Everett.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics remain divided over the film’s depiction of Jewish characters and its violence. Some label it anti-Semitic; others argue the graphic portrayal serves theological aims. A-III rating reflects concern about suitability for audiences.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on R-rated box-office record: one cites a two-decade span, another notes it was broken in 2024. Audience projections for re-release are not provided, and details on distribution remain limited.
Verbatim Quotes
> “'The Passion of the Christ' remains one of the most extraordinary theatrical experiences ever created,” — Kevin Grayson, President, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group
> “For millions of people, it was far more than a film — it became a powerful shared cultural and faith experience,” — Kevin Grayson, President, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group
> “Bringing it back to theatres in a stunning new restoration allows longtime audiences to experience it in an entirely new way while inviting a new generation to discover it in theatres for the very first time.” — Kevin Grayson, President, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group
> “We're broken, and we need help. Usually, the best way to get help is to ask for it. And well, who do we ask? We're asking something better than us. And the minute you acknowledge that there is something better than you, you might get something that resembles humility, which is really the key to the whole thing.” — Mel Gibson, Director
What’s Next
After the September re-release, the franchise will shift to the two-part “Resurrection” series, opening on Ascension Day in 2027 and 2028. Executives expect restored original to renew faith-based interest, making the sequel a religious-film event.
