‘The Resurrection of the Christ’ Set for 2027 and 2028 Release, Mel Gibson Says

Mel Gibson has unveiled the first look at The Resurrection of the Christ, the long-awaited sequel to his 2004 biblical drama The Passion of the Christ, confirming that the project will be released as a two-part film series in 2027 and 2028.

The first instalment is scheduled for release on May 6, 2027, while the second will arrive in cinemas on May 25, 2028, both dates coinciding with Ascension Day, the Christian observance commemorating the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven.

Gibson described the production as one of the most important undertakings of his career, saying the films represent more than two decades of creative and spiritual commitment.

“This is far more than a film to me,” Gibson said in a statement announcing the project. “It’s a mission I’ve carried for over 20 years to tell what I believe is the most important story in human history.”

Production reportedly lasted 134 days and was filmed across several historic Italian locations, including Rome, Bari, Ginosa, Craco, Brindisi, Torre Guaceto and Matera the southern Italian city that also served as a major backdrop for The Passion of the Christ.

Gibson said the scale and complexity of the production demanded intense personal and artistic investment.

“I’m deeply grateful to my incredibly talented cast and crew for pouring their hearts into this production,” he said. “Together, we created something powerful.”

The sequel stars Jaakko Ohtonen as Jesus, with performances from Mariela Garriga, Pier Luigi Pasino, Kasia Smutniak, Riccardo Scamarcio and Rupert Everett in supporting roles.

The project also reunites Gibson with several collaborators from the original film, while studio executives from Lionsgate worked closely with the filmmaker during development and production.

Released in 2004, The Passion of the Christ became one of the most commercially successful religious films ever made, grossing more than $610 million worldwide despite controversy over its graphic violence and theological interpretations.

The film earned Academy Award nominations for Best Cinematography, Best Original Score and Best Makeup, while becoming a defining cultural and box-office event in global cinema.

Gibson has previously indicated that The Resurrection of the Christ will go beyond a straightforward retelling of biblical events, instead adopting a non-linear narrative structure that explores spiritual, historical and metaphysical dimensions surrounding the resurrection.

“It’s a huge subject,” Gibson said during an earlier interview with EWTN. “You have to juxtapose the central event with everything else in the past, the future, and in other realms.”

Industry observers say the sequel is likely to generate significant global attention given the enormous commercial success and cultural impact of the original film, particularly among Christian audiences across North America, Latin America, Africa and Europe.

The announcement has already triggered renewed debate within the entertainment industry over faith-based storytelling, cinematic ambition and the growing global market for religious films.