Mel Gibson's highly anticipated sequel to his 2004 blockbuster, "The Passion of the Christ," titled "The Resurrection of the Christ," has officially begun production. Filming commenced recently at Rome's Cinecittà Studios, the same location where Gibson shot the original film over two decades ago. This new cinematic endeavor marks a significant departure from its predecessor in terms of casting, with an entirely new ensemble portraying the key biblical figures.

Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen, known for his role in "The Last Kingdom," has been cast as Jesus, taking over from Jim Caviezel, who famously portrayed the role in "The Passion." The decision to recast the entire film, including the lead, was made due to the specific timeline of the sequel, which unfolds three days after Christ’s crucifixion on Good Friday. Sources close to the production indicated that recasting was a practical choice to avoid the extensive and costly digital de-aging effects that would have been necessary for the original cast.

The film's casting director has brought in a fresh array of talent for other prominent roles. Mary Magdalene, originally played by Monica Bellucci, will now be portrayed by Cuban actress Mariela Garriga, who appeared in the "Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning" films. Polish-born Kasia Smutniak ("Domina") steps into the role of Mary, replacing Maia Morgenstern. Italy's Pier Luigi Pasino, from Netflix Italy's "The Law According to Lidia Poët," has been cast as Peter, while Riccardo Scamarcio, recently seen in the Johnny Depp-directed biopic "Modì," will play Pontius Pilate. Veteran actor Rupert Everett is also slated to appear in an important, though unspecified, supporting role.

"The Resurrection of the Christ" is planned as a two-part cinematic event, with both installments slated for release in 2027. "Part One" is scheduled to debut on Good Friday, March 26, 2027, followed by "Part Two" forty days later on Ascension Day, May 6. Lionsgate will be handling the theatrical distribution of both films. Gibson, alongside Bruce Davey, is producing under their Icon Productions banner, with Lionsgate serving as the studio partner.

While exact story details remain largely under wraps, the title explicitly suggests a focus on Jesus Christ's resurrection. Mel Gibson has described the scripts, which he co-wrote with "Braveheart" screenwriter Randall Wallace, as an "acid trip" and something he had "never read anything like" before. Beyond Cinecittà Studios, where the production occupies the new Studio 22 facility, shooting will also take place in the ancient southern Italian town of Matera, along with other historical rural locations such as Ginosa, Gravina Laterza, and Altamura.