A surprising turn of events has emerged regarding the continuation of Mel Gibson’s The Passion. The director has been developing a two-part spectacle titled The Resurrection of the Christ, in which Jim Caviezel was supposed to reprise his role as Jesus Christ. But now it appears the actor will most likely not play the role.
Jim Caviezel will not play Jesus again
Filming for The Resurrection of the Christ was supposed to begin this month in Rome. People close to the project revealed that auditions are now ongoing in the Italian capital to find actors who could take over the role. It is unclear whether production can still start as scheduled.
Initially it was announced that Caviezel would star in the film. The actor reportedly was already preparing for the role, including praying and fasting. Gibson had planned to digitally de-age him — the story is set three days after the events of The Passion. However, 21 years have passed since its release. The 57-year-old Caviezel would have been asked to portray a 33-year-old Jesus.
The change is being explained by the fact that the de-aging process turned out to be too problematic, although Gibson had assured in interviews that he could handle that challenge.
What do we know about The Resurrection of the Christ?
The Resurrection of the Christ is intended to depict the three days between Jesus’ death and resurrection. Gibson has described the film as a “trip” during which Jesus visits “other dimensions.” In the original plan, Jim Caviezel was to play the lead.
The first part is slated to open in theaters on Good Friday, March 26, 2027. The second part is scheduled to premiere 40 days later, on Ascension Day, May 6, 2027.
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