Rome, Italy – The long-anticipated sequel to The Passion of the Christ, titled The Resurrection of the Christ, is set to begin production this summer, marking the return of Mel Gibson to biblical epics. The film will commence shooting in August at Rome’s iconic Cinecittà Studios, according to the studio’s CEO, Manuela Cacciamani.
Production Details
Cacciamani confirmed in an interview with Italian financial daily Il Sole 24 Ore that Gibson and Icon Productions have officially scheduled an August 2025 start date for the sequel. Similar to its predecessor, The Resurrection of the Christ will utilize Cinecittà’s newly developed Studio 22 as its primary production hub. Additionally, filming will take place in the historic southern Italian town of Matera, a location renowned for its biblical landscapes, along with other scenic sites such as Ginosa, Gravina Laterza, and Altamura.
Several sources have confirmed to Variety that The Resurrection will move forward with a summer 2025 production schedule.
Returning Cast and New Developments
Jim Caviezel is expected to reprise his role as Jesus, while Maia Morgenstern (Mary, Jesus’ mother) and Francesco De Vito (Peter) are also believed to be returning, according to IMDb. However, Gibson’s publicist, Alan Nierob, has not provided an official comment regarding casting confirmations.
A Unique Approach to the Resurrection Story
Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast earlier this year, Gibson described the sequel’s screenplay as “an acid trip,” noting that he has “never read anything like it.” The script was co-written with Braveheart screenwriter Randall Wallace and is expected to take a non-traditional storytelling approach.
In a 2022 interview with the National Catholic Register, Gibson explained that The Resurrection of the Christ would not follow a linear narrative. Instead, he intends to juxtapose the resurrection with past, future, and metaphysical events. “You have to start with the fall of the angels, which means you’re in another place, another realm. You need to go to hell,” he stated, hinting at a potentially sci-fi-infused biblical epic.
A Historic Box Office Predecessor
Released in 2004, The Passion of the Christ depicted the final days of Jesus Christ leading up to his crucifixion. Despite facing controversy for alleged antisemitic undertones, the film grossed nearly $612 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing independent film of all time. Religious groups across the globe fueled its success, with many churches arranging special screenings for their congregations.
What’s Next?
With filming set to begin in August, anticipation is building for The Resurrection of the Christ. Whether Gibson’s ambitious vision resonates with audiences as powerfully as The Passion remains to be seen, but with a blend of historical and supernatural elements, the sequel is poised to be one of the most talked-about projects in the coming years.
Stay tuned for further updates as production progresses.