Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ sequel reveals first look – as new release dates are confirmed

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The sequel for Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ has a dropped first-look image as the release date is confirmed.

The new project consists of two films, entitled The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One and Part Two, and they have both had their release dates changed.

The first part was initially planned to launch on March 26, 2027, which was Good Friday. The second part was then expected to be released 40 days after, on May 6, 2027, coinciding with Ascension Day.

The first part will now be released on May 6, 2027, and the second part will follow on May 25, 2028, which is Ascension Day.

According to Deadline, the release dates were changed after the studio felt they were too close together. Instead new Johnny Depp film Day Drinkers will take the 26 March 2027 release date.

Mel Gibson will direct two upcoming films for Lionsgate. He previously directed the 2004 film The Passion of the Christ, which depicted the final twelve hours of Jesus’ life and featured Jim Caviezel in the lead role.

The 2004 movie earned $83 million in its opening weekend and ultimately made $370 million in North American theaters and over $610 million worldwide. Made with a budget of just $30 million, it held the record for the highest-grossing R-rated film in the US for many years.

Adam Fogelson, head of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, described Mel as a remarkably creative person with a strong sense of visual impact and a talent for connecting with audiences on an emotional level.

The images released from the film set look like stunning, living paintings. It’s rare to find a director who can create such a grand, visually impressive film while also telling a deeply moving and believable story. Mel has made a truly ambitious film that people around the world have been anticipating for over two decades.

The follow-up films will star Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen as Jesus alongside Mariela Garriga, Pier Luigi Pasino, Kasia Smutniak, Riccardo Scamarcio and Rupert Everett.

Filming for Part One has concluded after shooting for 134 days in Italy across Rome, Bari, Ginosa, Craco, Brindisi and Matera. You can see a first-look image of Othonen in character at the top of this page.

Gibson expressed his gratitude for the dedication of his cast and crew on the new film, saying they worked incredibly hard to create a truly impactful project.

This film is the culmination of my life’s work, and I’ve poured everything into it as a director and artist. It’s more than just a movie to me – it’s a decades-long passion project to share what I consider the most significant story ever told.

Ohtonen will play Jesus, taking over the role from Jim Caviezel. He’s known for his work in shows like Netflix’s The Last Kingdom and Vikings: Valhalla, and he also voiced Big Brother on the Finnish version of the reality show.

The first part of ‘The Resurrection of the Christ’ will be available on May 6, 2027, with the second part releasing on May 25, 2028.

Authors

Phoebe Kowhai BarnesFreelance Writer

As someone who lives and breathes movies and TV, I’ve been following Phoebe Kowhai Barnes’ work for a while now. She’s a freelance writer with TopMob, covering all things pop culture and entertainment – a perfect fit, really. Before that, she was a Senior Assistant Editor at The Tab, basically running the show for their local team. She’s got a solid background too, with a BA in English Literature from the University of Nottingham. Definitely someone who knows her stuff!

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2026-05-22 16:34