More than two decades after its controversial and highly successful predecessor, "The Passion of the Christ," director Mel Gibson has officially commenced filming for his much-anticipated sequel, "The Resurrection of the Christ." Production for the long-delayed project quietly began last week at Rome’s Cinecittà Studios, the same iconic location where Gibson brought the original 2004 film to life.

A significant change for the sequel is the complete recasting of its lead role. Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen, known for his work in Netflix’s "The Last Kingdom," will step into the pivotal role of Jesus, originally played by Jim Caviezel. This decision, reported by Variety, was made to avoid the substantial costs associated with de-aging effects, especially as the sequel's narrative picks up just three days after Christ’s crucifixion. A source explained, "It made sense to recast the whole film. They would have had to do all this CGI stuff — de-aging and all that — that would have been very costly."

The new ensemble cast also includes Mariela Garriga ("Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning") as Mary Magdalene, replacing the original actress. Kasia Smutniak ("Domina") will take over the role of Mary from Maia Morgenstern, while Pier Luigi Pasino ("The Law According to Lidia Poët") joins the production as Peter. Riccardo Scamarcio ("Modì") has been cast as Pontius Pilate, and Rupert Everett is confirmed for what is described as a small yet "important" role.

Gibson has described the sequel's tone as an "acid trip" and collaborated with his "Braveheart" writer Randall Wallace on the screenplay, teasing that he has "never read anything like it." "The Resurrection of the Christ" is envisioned as a two-part story that will delve into Christ’s resurrection and explore its far-reaching spiritual and political implications. Speaking with ScreenRant, Gibson highlighted the expansive, philosophical scope of the project, questioning mankind's significance in the cosmic struggle between good and evil: "You have to think, why is mankind so important in this process? Why are the big realms of good and evil slugging it up for the hearts and minds and souls of mankind? Why us? We’re just a bunch of f***ed up things. We’re imperfect. You have to ask yourself, why are we important? Why are we making the sandwich? That whole huge story.”

Mel Gibson is producing the film alongside Bruce Davey through Icon Productions, with Lionsgate securing distribution rights. The two-part cinematic event is scheduled for release with Part One arriving on Good Friday, March 26, 2027, and Part Two following on Ascension Day, May 6, 2027. This ambitious sequel aims to expand upon the intense narrative of the original film, which graphically depicted the final twelve hours of Jesus of Nazareth, focusing on his arrest, trial, and crucifixion, and explored profound themes of sacrifice, faith, and redemption through immense physical and emotional suffering.