More than twenty years after The Passion of the Christ reshaped Christian filmmaking with a raw portrayal of Jesus Christ’s final hours, Mel Gibson is moving forward with the sequel, The Resurrection of the Christ. Filming started last week in Rome, but the announcement of a new actor playing Jesus has sparked strong reactions online, overshadowing the film’s return. Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen replaces Jim Caviezel in the role, with several other main parts also recast, including Mariela Garriga as Mary Magdalene and Kasia Smutniak as Mary.
Why Fans Are Reacting Strongly to the Change in Casting
The decision to cast a new Jesus has unsettled longtime supporters of the original film, who felt a deep connection to Caviezel’s portrayal. One viewer described the recast as “blasphemous work,” while another stated,
Disappointing news. I’ve been waiting forever for this movie. It won’t be the same without a truly devout and believing actor playing Jesus. Caviezel’s personal faith was evident in every moment of The Passion.
Concerns also arose about the ethnicity of the new lead, with critics noting the choice of a Nordic actor to depict a Middle Eastern figure. Some remarked sarcastically, Another white Jesus? I’ll pass.
However, not all reactions were negative. Some fans understood the practical reasons behind the casting shift. One supporter commented,
Too bad about Caviezel. But I was concerned that de-aging him may negatively affect the film’s quality. This seems like the right approach,
showing that the complexities of modern filmmaking influenced opinions.
Context Behind Casting Decisions and Story Focus
The uproar largely stems from past comments by Mel Gibson that suggested the original cast might return with the aid of digital technology. Gibson had mentioned two scripts—one straightforward and another more experimental—hinting at futuristic techniques to bring back familiar faces. Yet, industry sources indicated that cost considerations probably motivated the recast. A confidential Variety source explained,
Given that the story takes place just three days after the crucifixion, it made sense to recast the whole film,
aligning the casting choices with the storyline’s tight timeline.
The narrative of The Resurrection of the Christ centers on the three days following Jesus’ crucifixion, detailing the Resurrection itself and its immediate events. Gibson plans to split the film into two installments, with Part One scheduled for release on Good Friday, March 26, 2027, and Part Two arriving on Ascension Day, May 6, 2027.
Remembering the Impact of The Passion of the Christ and Its Cast
The original 2004 film became a cultural phenomenon, earning over $612 million worldwide and standing as the highest-grossing Christian and R-rated movie ever. Jim Caviezel’s depiction of Jesus earned widespread admiration from audiences and critics alike, while Maia Morgenstern portrayed Mary. The film’s intense and unflinching portrayal of Jesus’ final hours had a lasting influence on religious cinema.
Now, with new actors such as Pier Luigi Pasino and Riccardo Scamarcio taking on the roles of Peter and Pontius Pilate, respectively, and Rupert Everett appearing in a smaller but vital role, the sequel aims to continue the story with fresh faces while evoking the original’s spiritual weight and dramatic intensity.
