Mel Gibson is collaborating with excommunicated Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò on his new film, The Resurrection of the Christ, currently in production in Italy. This project serves as a follow-up to Gibson’s 2004 hit, The Passion of the Christ, continuing with the story centered around the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Background on Carlo Maria Viganò and His Role in the Film
Carlo Maria Viganò, the former Vatican ambassador to the United States, was excommunicated in 2024 after rejecting Pope Francis’ authority and opposing the Second Vatican Council reforms. Viganò has publicly called Pope Francis a “servant of Satan” and a “false prophet,” while also supporting controversial political views including those aligned with former U.S. President Donald Trump. Despite his excommunication, Viganò retains the Archbishop title and has been actively involved in advising Gibson during the film’s production.
Filming Locations and On-Set Collaboration
The shooting for The Resurrection of the Christ is taking place in several outdoor locations south of Rome, including the historic town of Matera, famed for its ancient whitewashed caves. This site was also a primary filming location for the original Passion of the Christ. Italian reports, confirmed by sources close to the production, indicate Viganò has been present on set, providing input during the shooting. Social media posts have shown both Gibson and Viganò working together during production.
Cast Changes and Production Details
Shooting began in early October at Studio 22 in Rome’s Cinecittà Studios, with an entirely new lead cast. Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen is portraying Jesus, replacing Jim Caviezel who starred in the original film. Cuban actress Mariela Garriga takes on the role of Mary Magdalene, previously portrayed by Monica Bellucci. Additionally, Smutniak replaces Maia Morgenstern as Mary. The production employs over 500 crew members, indicating a significant scale for this religious epic.
Legacy of the Original Film and Plans for the Sequel
More than two decades ago, Gibson filmed The Passion of the Christ at Cinecittà, which achieved immense independent box office success, grossing $610 million worldwide. The new project will be split into two films, both scheduled for release in 2027. Produced by Gibson, Bruce Davey, and their Icon Productions company, The Resurrection of the Christ is partnered with Lionsgate for distribution.
Story and Creative Direction of the Sequel
The original film was noted for its historical authenticity, featuring dialogue in Aramaic, Hebrew, and Latin. Gibson and screenwriter Randall Wallace, known for Braveheart, have written the new scripts. Gibson has described the sequels as an “acid trip,” stating that he “never read anything like” the material before. While detailed plot points remain confidential, the story is expected to focus heavily on the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“pic.twitter.com/QEFao5b6RA” – Carlo Maria Viganò, Archbishop
— Arcivescovo Carlo Maria Viganò (@CarloMVigano) February 17, 2026
