(LifeSiteNews) — Mel Gibson has announced the completion of filming for The Resurrection of the Christ, his highly-anticipated sequel to the 2004 classic The Passion of the Christ.
Filming wrapped up ahead of schedule, according to a press release. The Resurrection of the Christ, to be released in two parts, was shot across 134 days in Rome and several other locations throughout Italy.
But the release dates for each part have been pushed back: Part 1 will now hit theaters on May 6, 2027, and Part 2 on May 25, 2028 (both on Ascension Day). They were originally slated to be released on Good Friday and Ascension Day of 2027, respectively.
Gibson, a traditional Catholic, emphasized that Resurrection “is far more than a film to me. It’s a mission I’ve carried for over twenty years to tell what I believe is the most important story in human history.”
“This film represents a major part of my life’s work, and it has demanded everything of me as a filmmaker and as an artist,” he added.
EXCLUSIVE: Mel Gibson and crew offer powerful prayer for protection on set of ‘Resurrection of the Christ’
“Mel is a true visionary with an artist’s eye for scale and a storyteller’s instinct for emotional truth,” said Adam Fogelson, chairman of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. “Every image we’ve seen from set feels like a masterwork painting brought to life. There are very few directors who can operate at this level of epic spectacle while at the same time delivering such depth and conviction.”
The long-awaited film has not been without some controversy. Gibson decided to recast the entire film to avoid spending a significant amount of money on de-aging CGI technology. Jaakko Ohtonen will replace Jim Caviezel as Jesus Christ, Kasia Smutniak will replace Maia Morgenstern as the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Mariela Garriga will replace Monica Bellucci as St. Mary Magdalene.
In a June 2019 Instagram post, the 36-year-old Ohtonen wished individuals participating in LGBT pride marches and other festivities “a weekend filled with love! … Love belongs to everyone!” Ohtonen’s post included a photo of himself wearing a rainbow-themed t-shirt.
As for Smutniak, she posted a picture of herself on Instagram in 2020 with disturbing pro-abortion messages written across her face — “This is war,” “the right to abortion,” “F*** off” — while offering a middle finger to those who oppose abortion. Her post was a reaction to Poland tightening its laws against abortion.
“Would Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, paint such slogans on her face?” asked a petition.