Why Jim Caviezel Won’t Be Returning as Jesus in Mel Gibson’s ‘Resurrection of the Christ’ – What This Means for the Film

Jim Caviezel will not reprise his role as Jesus Christ in Mel Gibson’s upcoming films, The Resurrection of the Christ. This was confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter. Lionsgate plans to release the two-part series in theaters by 2027, with shooting set to begin soon in Rome. The new films will feature a fresh cast, meaning Caviezel and Monica Bellucci, who played Mary Magdalene, won’t return.

The Passion of the Christ, released on February 25, 2004, told the story of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. It became a massive success, earning over $600 million worldwide. Notably, it held the title of the highest-grossing R-rated movie in North America for years, raking in $370 million.

The first part of the new series, The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One, is scheduled to hit theaters on March 26, 2027—Good Friday. The second part will follow on May 6, 2027, coinciding with Ascension Day. Gibson is producing these films with his long-time partner Bruce Davey.

Caviezel, known for his role in Person of Interest, expressed eagerness for this new project in a recent podcast. He stated that while it takes time to create such films, he believes in divine timing and the need for preparedness.

Critics in 2004 had mixed feelings about The Passion of the Christ. While The Hollywood Reporter described it as a “medieval Passion Play with much better effects,” others took issue with its graphic violence. This sparked debates on the depiction of faith in film and its impact on audiences.

In recent years, there’s been a resurgence of interest in faith-based films. According to a Pew Research survey, about 65% of Americans consider religion to be very important in their lives. This statistic suggests a substantial audience for movies like Gibson’s, which delve into themes of spirituality and redemption.

As anticipation builds for The Resurrection of the Christ, it’s clear that these films aim to capture a significant moment in cinema history, mirroring the impact of the original film.

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Jim Caviezel,lionsgate,Mel Gibson,The Passion of the Christ