Mel Gibson Christ sequel The Resurrection of the Christ has sparked significant backlash due to the casting of Kasia Smutniak as Mary, the mother of Jesus. This decision has angered certain groups, especially in Poland, ahead of the films’ planned release dates in 2027.
The original 2004 film, The Passion of the Christ, featured Maia Morgenstern in the role of Mary. However, The Resurrection of the Christ, which began filming in October 2025, has recast the entire ensemble, including Smutniak replacing Morgenstern. The casting shift has drawn sharp criticism because of Smutniak’s known activism, particularly in relation to abortion rights.
Polish Conservative Groups Challenge Casting Choice
According to reports in Variety, far-right Catholic factions in Poland, Smutniak’s home country, have expressed strong disapproval of her casting. The main point of contention is her association with pro-abortion activism and support for the Strajk Kobiet (Women’s Strike) movement, which is recognized by its red lightning bolt emblem and has campaigned against Poland’s strict abortion laws.
Supporters of Poland’s conservative Law and Justice party have reportedly sent letters to Icon Productions, the company behind the film, urging them to reconsider Smutniak’s role. These protest letters cite her political stance as a problem given the religious nature of the movie.
Attempts to reach Mel Gibson’s team led to a statement from his publicist, Alan Nierob, who said he was unaware of any such complaints. Smutniak’s representatives chose not to comment on the controversy.
Social Media Campaigns Amplify the Backlash
On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), some Polish critics have actively sought support from conservative figures in the United States, including commentator Candace Owens. One notable post from user @Ulalala79616 rallied audience attention, attempting to escalate the issue beyond Poland’s borders.
Kasia Smutniak’s Career and Activism Explored
Born in Poland, Kasia Smutniak has made her career primarily in Italy, participating in more than 40 film and television projects such as the Sky series Devils and Domina. Her directorial effort, the 2023 documentary Walls, critiques the Polish government’s construction of a border barrier in the eastern “red zone” designed to deter migrants.
Her outspoken political involvement and the focus of her documentary reinforce her public image as an activist who challenges conservative policies in Poland, further fueling the sensitive debate surrounding her casting.
Significant Cast Changes in The Resurrection of the Christ
The Resurrection of the Christ features several new actors replacing those who appeared in The Passion of the Christ. Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen takes on the role of Jesus, while Cuban actress Mariela Garriga plays Mary Magdalene, and Kasia Smutniak portrays Mary. This complete recast has drawn attention not only for the actors but also for their differing public images and stances.
In contrast, Jim Caviezel, the original Jesus in The Passion of the Christ, is known for his strong Catholic faith and anti-abortion stance, while Monica Bellucci, the former Mary Magdalene, has voiced support for women’s rights to abortion. Casting Smutniak, who openly supports abortion rights, suggests a complex, tension-filled approach to the sequel’s production choices despite Gibson’s personal conservative views against abortion and contraception.
Upcoming Release and Narrative Focus of the Sequel
The Resurrection of the Christ is planned as a two-part film series, with the first installment set for release on March 26, 2027, and the second arriving on May 6, 2027. The sequels explore the period between Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, focusing on his descent to Abraham’s Bosom to preach and revive Old Testament saints.
Cast Highlights and Production Details
The films are directed by Mel Gibson, with writing credits to Randall Wallace and Donal Gibson, and Jim Caviezel serving as a producer. The ensemble cast includes:
- Jaakko Ohtonen as Jesus
- Kasia Smutniak as Mary
- Mariela Garriga as Mary Magdalene
- Francesco De Vito in the role of Peter
The production has attracted attention not only for its narrative but also because of the controversy surrounding some casting decisions.
Impact and Future Expectations
The backlash over Kasia Smutniak’s casting as Mary in Mel Gibson Christ sequel The Resurrection of the Christ reveals the deep tensions between artistic choices and political-religious convictions. The heated response especially from Polish conservative groups and their outreach to American conservatives underscores the global nature of cultural and ideological disputes linked to film productions touching on religious themes.
As the release dates approach, how Icon Productions and the filmmakers respond to the protests remains uncertain, but the controversy is likely to contribute to ongoing debates about representation, activism, and faith in mainstream media.
Dear Candace Owens @RealCandaceO I'm curious what do you think about this choice?
Kasia Smutniak, polish-italian actrees, was chosen to play Jesus' Mother in Mel Gibson's new movie Passion of the Christ. Should someone with such strong left-wing views and supporting for abortion… pic.twitter.com/DSKlWWFKTc— Ypca Nowe Konto🇵🇱🖤🙃♒ (@Ulalala79616) October 19, 2025
