Mel Gibson Splits ‘Passion of the Christ’ Sequel Into Two Movies, Sets 2027 Release Dates

Mel Gibson’s much-delayed “The Passion of the Christ” sequel will be split into two films, with each part set to release in 2027.

“The Resurrection of the Christ Part One” is slated for Good Friday, March 26, while “Part Two” set for 40 days later on Ascension Day, May 6. Lionsgate is releasing the films in theaters.

“Resurrection of the Christ” is the follow-up to 2004’s biblical epic “The Passion of the Christ,” which until last year was the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time at the domestic box office with $370 million. That record was recently supplanted by Disney’s “Deadpool & Wolverine,” which earned a mammoth $636 million domestically. “The Passion of the Christ” remains one of the highest-grossing independent films with $610 million globally against a $30 million production budget. It was nominated at the Oscars for best makeup, cinematography and original score.

The original film, starring Jim Caviezel as Jesus of Nazareth and Monica Bellucci as Mary Magdalene, followed the final 12 hours before the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Gibson has described the sequels as an “acid trip,” adding that “never read anything like” the scripts, which the filmmaker has been writing alongside Randall Wallace. As the title suggests, the plot is expected to focus on Jesus Christ’s resurrection.

More to come…