New Casting Shifts Quietly Reshape Mel Gibson’s The Resurrection of the Christ
The long-anticipated follow-up to Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ is undergoing a major cast overhaul. Jaakko Ohtonen, the Finnish actor best known for his work in The Last Kingdom, has been cast as Jesus in The Resurrection of the Christ, replacing original star Jim Caviezel. The change comes as filming has begun at Cinecittà Studios in Rome, marking a fresh start for Gibson’s two-part epic.
Two-Part Epic Moves Forward With a Global Ensemble
In addition to the Jesus casting, the entire main ensemble has been recast for Resurrection. Mary Magdalene will be portrayed by Cuban actress Mariela Garriga, known for Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning. Kasia Smutniak, a Polish-born actor from Domina, takes over the role of Mary. The Apostle Peter is now played by Italian actor Pier Luigi Pasino, who recently appeared in Netflix Italy’s The Law According to Lidia Poët. The Pontius Pilate role goes to Riccardo Scamarcio, who led the Johnny Depp-directed Modì project. Rupert Everett is also set to appear in a smaller but meaningful role.
Why the Recasts? Insights From Production
A source close to the production told Variety that the decision to recast was driven by the tight post-crucifixion timeframe the film explores. “They would have had to do all this CGI stuff — de-aging and other digital work — which would have been very costly,” the insider explained. With the timeline pushing the narrative to three days after the crucifixion (Good Friday), a complete ensemble refresh was deemed the most practical approach for the production schedule.
Production Details and Locations
Filming kicked off last week at Cinecittà Studios, where Gibson’s team is utilizing the studio’s new Studio 22 facility. Beyond Rome, the production plans to shoot in Matera, a historic southern Italian town, with additional Italian rural locations including Ginosa, Gravina in Laterza, and Altamura lined up for the subsequent segments. The two-part series is planned to release in 2027, with Part One scheduled for Good Friday, March 26, and Part Two arriving about 40 days later on Ascension Day, May 6. Lionsgate remains attached as the studio partner, continuing a long-standing collaboration with Icon Productions.
What We Know About the Resurrection’s Focus
The original Passion of the Christ was notable for its multilingual approach (Aramaic, Hebrew, and Latin) and its intense, character-driven storytelling. Gibson has described the Resurrection as an “acid trip” and indicated that the scripts, co-written with Braveheart scribe Randall Wallace, offer a distinct departure while keeping the core focus on Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Specific plot details outside the broad arc remain tightly under wraps, fueling anticipation and speculation among fans and industry observers alike.
Cast Spotlight: A New Era for a Classic Tale
Jaakko Ohtonen’s casting as Jesus marks a pivotal tonal shift for the project. The actor’s recent work in The Last Kingdom has positioned him as a versatile leading man capable of carrying a high-stakes, historically charged narratives. The rest of the ensemble features a mix of seasoned European actors and rising stars, signaling Gibson’s intent to deliver a fresh, internationalized take on the timeless story while honoring the scale and ambition of the original film.
Release Timeline and Industry Impact
With Part One slated for release in March 2027, followed by Part Two in May, The Resurrection of the Christ will likely dominate conversations in the lead-up to its arrival. The two-film format aligns with a growing trend in major productions that want to maximize audience reach across multiple fiscal cycles. As always with Gibson’s projects, expectations are high, and the production is being watched closely by critics, fans, and industry insiders alike.
As the new cast settles in and filming progresses at Cinecittà and Italian locations, observers will be watching to see how the recasting shapes tone, performance, and audience reception for this ambitious continuation of a modern cinematic landmark.
